Georgia Bulldogs invite ‘Extra Special People’ organization to enjoy practice
By Josh Sanchez
Often times in sports, the bad apples and divas get the majority of the attention. Because of that, some of the greater stories may go unheard, but that’s not fair to the quality athletes and programs that are out there across the nation.
For the Georgia Bulldogs, bringing happiness to disabled kids who are a part of “Extra Special People Inc.” has become a routine for the past two years, where they bring the kids in to spend time, observe a practice and just enjoy a quality moment filled with happiness and laughter.
This is part of what makes sports so great. It is something we can all enjoy.
Georgia used to hold a preseason cookout with the kids and team to spend some time together, but last year is when the relationship took to the field. It couldn’t have worked out better for everyone.
“Last year, instead of the cookout, the team invited the children from ESP to the practice field and it was a hit,” ESP Executive Director Laura Whitaker said, via the Athens Banner-Herald. “Most of our children will never have the opportunity to see a (Georgia Bulldogs) game, but this event says ‘you are important,’ a message we at ESP work to embed in our participants on a daily basis.”
The players interact with the kids, sign autographs and just show their human sides as they get the chance to brighten the young kids days.
“Just as the football team overcomes obstacles, so do our children on a daily basis,” Whitaker said. “The shirts the children (wore today) and get signed read a statement that the Bulldogs & Buddies event nurtures the idea that regardless of ability, or disability, with a will, nothing is impossible.”
It really is a great partnership and relationship between the Bulldogs football team and ESP and it is always enjoyable to hear the positive stories that come out of the kids mouths after they get to meet the players they look up to.