Athletic Connection
*THIS PROGRAM IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING BUT WILL RESUME IN FALL SEMESTER*
What is Athletic Connection?
Athletic Connection strives to connect BYU athletes with the community by teaching physical skills to children who have Down syndrome. Program leaders also play a big role by helping the athletes create meaningful connections with the children and coordinating events with the Athletic Department. Athletic Connection generally meets at the UPC (University Parkway Center) on the corner of University Avenue and University Parkway in Provo.
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How do I get Involved?
STUDENT ATHLETE
If you are part of BYU athletics and would like your team to schedule a Saturday to participate, please email athleticconnection@byu.edu to let the leaders know you are interested. Please note that this program is specifically for students who are a part of BYU athletics.
Training: Please complete this mandatory 25-minute Minor Protection Training before you begin working with this program.
BECOME A LEADER
**No volunteer leader applications are being accepted at this time.**
If you are NOT a BYU athlete, volunteer by applying to become a Leader who helps coordinate these Saturday Events with the Athletic Department.
Volunteer Leader Description: There are two kinds of leadership positions: Executive Director and Program Director. A program only has one Executive Director, but multiple program directors. Leaders for "Athletic Connection" are responsible coordinating events that connect BYU athletes with the community by teaching physical skills to children who have Down syndrome. Student leaders play a big role by helping the athletes create meaningful connections with the children and coordinating the events with the Athletic Department.
Volunteer Leader commitment: 1 hour on Saturdays, twice a month, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. In addition, Volunteer leaders commit to a 1-hour weekly team meeting to discuss needs and make plans for the program.
Training: Please complete this mandatory 25-minute Minor Protection Training before you begin working with this program.
A meaningful experience for me is actually watching the parents' faces as we have our activities with their kids. The parents seem to love watching their kids have fun meeting and playing with the athletes, especially since it is a unique experience for them.
Every day that I get to spend with the kids is a meaningful experience. It's always a highlight of my week to see them and hang out with them. They have such special spirits.
We had an activity with the women's golf team, and the people with Down Syndrome that we work with absolutely loved it. They would celebrate whenever they hit the golf ball into the box; it was amazing to see the pure joy on their faces. Every week when we have an activity, they show me how to have fun and appreciate the little things in life.
It was amazing to see kids and adults with special needs absolutely dominating on the track, court, and field! The athletes are the greatest cheerleaders for these individuals who might not know what a home run is, but they are fast runners. These individuals light up every room they are in and being able to watch them learn and have fun is the best!