University of Minnesota Athletics
Gymnasts Participate in Third-Annual HopeDay Festival
9/14/2009 12:00:00 AM | Gymnastics
The festival included sporting clinics from all 25 Gopher sports and student-athletes, including a dunk tank by the swim teams and obstacle course with the men’s and women’s track and field teams. The gymnasts assisted HopeKids participants with tumbling and balance beam activities. Along with student-athletes participating in events, pony rides, a petting zoo, a rock-climbing wall and face painters are just some of the other activities that were available.
HopeKids is an organization which gives hope to children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and their families, via a program of ongoing, highly anticipated events with the message that hope is a powerful medicine. Founded in September 2001 by Robert R. Cottrell in Phoenix, Ariz., it has recently branched out to chapters in Minneapolis/St. Paul in November of 2006 and Salt Lake City, Utah in September of 2008. The Phoenix chapter serves more than 500 HopeKids and their families, while the Minneapolis/St. Paul chapter serves in excess of 550 HopeKids and their families. Salt Lake City, in less than a year, has grown to serve 175 families. A large percentage of the children in the program have already had their one large wish from one of the various wish granting organizations, but their battle continues. A large percentage of HopeKids have cancer, however, the program also serves children with any life-threatening illnesses such as kidney disease, heart disease, sickle cell, mitochondrial and cystic fibrosis. HopeKids is for children between the ages of 0 to 18. For more information visit www.hopekids.org.