University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Host Eighth-Annual HopeDay Festival
9/7/2014 12:00:00 AM | Student-Athlete Development
Sept. 7, 2014
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Written by Devin Ste. Marie, Student Athlete Development Intern
Over 500 current and former University of Minnesota student-athletes gathered by the Bierman Field Athletic Building to kick off the eighth-annual HopeDay Festival, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014.
HopeDay is the largest community service event for Gopher Athletics and many individuals donated time and energy to be involved. Athletic trainers, coaches, administration and alumini joined the student-athletes to support the festival.
HopeKids supports children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and their families by providing events and opportunities for them. HopeKids underlines the message that hope is a powerful medicine and children should always be looking toward the future.
The day started off with the student-athletes eating lunch and getting into high spirits by singing the Minnesota rouser together before heading out onto the Bierman Field for the festivities.
All sports teams were assigned to volunteer at different stations across the field. Approximately 200 HopeKids families brought siblings and parents to HopeDay and the children were able to go jump to various stations and meet Gopher student-athletes. Together, the student-athletes and children played games, obstacle courses, face painting and other fun and interactive activities. Goldy Gopher was also in attendance, always a favorite of this crowd.
Children at the festival had a great time playing with their friends and were also able to eat lunch and snacks while watching performances featuring the MinnesoTap dance team, the Minnesota Dog Agility Club, Strong Men and Strong Women, and Rick Wieber's Bicycle Stunt Show.
HopeDay Festival chairs Rebecca Weiland and Erica Meyer spent the last four months planning and organizing the events and activities for the festival and were excited to have members of HopeKids come and enjoy themselves. Weiland was satisfied with how smoothly the day ran and was happy to see hard work paid off.
"The HopeKids seemed to have a blast and the athletes did too," Weiland said. "I am so proud to be a part of the Gopher family and to support a great organization like HopeKids."
Meyer reflects on the rewarding experience of planning and hosting an event like HopeDay and how it is a positive experience for the children who attend. "HopeDay is such a wonderful event because it allows these kids and their families to forget about their illnesses, even if it is for just a moment, and enjoy life," Meyer said.
The University of Minnesota would like to thank all the sponsors and volunteers who helped to make HopeDay a success. Children and families of HopeKids were able to spend a beautiful day together and enjoy themselves in an energetic and optimistic environment. For more information about HopeKids, please visit www.hopekids.org
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