University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Celebrate 11th Annual HopeDay Festival
9/10/2017 12:00:00 AM | Student-Athlete Development
Sept. 10, 2017
The University of Minnesota Intercolleigate Athletics department hosted the 11th annual HopeDay Festival, Sept. 10, at TCF Bank Stadium. An estimated 250 families from the HopeKids organization was present along with over 500 current Gopher student-athletes and alums. The event is designed specifically for the Golden Gopher family and members of the HopeKids organization.
The festival included sporting clinics from all 25 Gopher sports and student-athletes, including a dunk tank, hockey shootout and games on the football field and around TCF Bank Stadium. Along with student-athletes participating in events, pony rides, a petting zoo, a rock-climbing wall, face painters and making tie-dye shirts were just some of the activities. HopeDay is an annual event that began in 2006 and has grown into the largest community service event for Gopher Athletics.
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 in Phoenix, Ariz., it branched out to its Minneapolis/St. Paul chapter in November of 2006 and serves nearly 1,250 HopeKids and their 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 and cystic fibrosis. HopeKids is for children between the ages of 0 to 18. For more information visit www.hopekids.org.
See the HopeDay Festival through photos and social media.
Our #HopeDay2017 is underway! Thanks to all the #Gophers who are here for this great event! pic.twitter.com/T6V9L2yXZZ
-- M.A.G.I.C. (@umnMAGIC) September 10, 2017
#hopeday2017 Our good friend Jamison pic.twitter.com/kVSB7DO7Iz
-- Mike Burns (@Mikeburns265) September 10, 2017
The #Gophers are taking on Hope Day today! #UMNProud pic.twitter.com/o7knG3tpIl
-- Minnesota Soccer (@GopherSoccer) September 10, 2017
Hopedaying pic.twitter.com/g3DKXU8KZR
-- Reggieâ™›Lynch (@Air_Regiinald) September 10, 2017
#HopeDay2017 pic.twitter.com/GtyBP84hML
-- Carlie Wagner (@CarlieJoWagner) September 10, 2017
One of our favorite days of the year! #HopeDay2017! Serve and give. pic.twitter.com/wUwiTyonKA
-- Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) September 10, 2017
#Gophers student-athletes are participating in the 11th annual #HopeDay2017! #UMNProud 😀 pic.twitter.com/3JLGF2JfoQ
-- Minnesota Gophers (@GopherSports) September 10, 2017
Our #Gophers are having a great time at #HopeDay2017! pic.twitter.com/EsaUMjKAs1
-- Minnesota Volleyball (@GopherVBall) September 10, 2017