Worcester, MA --- On Sunday, April 12, members of the Worcester State University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted approximately 20 children from the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester for a field day at Coughlin Field from 10 AM through 2 PM.

SAAC members had their hands full with the children as they engaged in a day of fun activities, which included shipwreck, to relay races, soccer, steal the bacon, kickball, capture the flag and other miscellaneous games.

“It being Sunday morning, you’re not sure if kids are going to be attentive, but as soon as they started, the smiles haven’t stopped,” said Josh Brown, a case worker at the Boys & Girls Club.

Brown said that the ages of the children ranged from ages seven to 13.

The initial idea came from a brainstorming session among the groups membership for a MASCAC conference-wide SAAC activity. While the proposal to host a community service field day for the Boys & Girls Club was not picked, the leadership of the Worcester State SAAC felt that it was still a great idea for their own organization during the spring.

A connection was then made between Worcester State SAAC secretary Alli Baker, a sophomore on the field hockey team, and Worcester Boys and Girls Club Athletic Director Rubin Rosario.

“We really weren’t sure how it was going to go, but it has been much more fun than we thought it was going to be,” said Baker. “We seem to be making an impact on the kids.”

Dante, age 12, said that he enjoyed playing soccer and running around at midfield during shipwreck the most.

“With soccer, there were a lot of people,” said Dante. “You are able to work as a team.”

Lilly, age 10, mentioned that she relished the opportunity to get to know the college student-athletes.

“The college kids really talked to us,” said Lilly. “My group leader was really fun and interactive with all of the kids. All the other group leaders were too, they weren’t just stuck to the people in their group.

“I liked how they also took my suggestion to play shipwreck at the end and didn’t just put it aside.”

It was an afternoon filled with smiles from the moment the children got off the bus to the last salute of the afternoon at the 50-yardline.

“Everyone has a smile on; the kids that are here, all of us athletes, Kelly (Downs) and the leaders,” said Baker. “I think it’s been a huge success.”

A 12:30 PM break for lunch included hot dogs, macaroni salad and potato chips were sponsored by the 99 Restaurant and Pub. 12-ounce bottles of water that were available throughout the morning and afternoon were supported by Polar Beverages.

Baker noted that one of the goals of the event was to promote a healthy lifestyle among the youth, to keep the children safe and engaged on a day when they typically might not have anything to do. She was excited to help organize an event to give back to the local Worcester community.

“Being a part of SAAC and volunteering in the community is very rewarding and it’s especially rewarding when we are able to give back to the immediate community,” said Baker. “These children look up to us and we hope to make a small impact on them.

“To be able to give back in such a small way is nice because we are able to make a difference.”

SAAC's plan next year try to hold the day again next year during the week of April school vacation.

Pictured Above: Senior Margo Clifford Goes After A Football Playing Steal The Bacon

Junior Taylor Ledwith Plays Soccer With Two Children From The Worcester Boys And Girls Club

Sophomore Will Whearty Hands Off The Final Soccer Ball As Everyone In Attendance Waits To See Who's Going To Win Relay Race

Both Student-Athletes And Children From The Worcester Boys And Girls Club Partake In A Shoe Relay Race

Junior Krissy Kenney (Pictured Right) Plays The Field Day Favorite "Shipwreck"The Participants