Blaze Players Visit Shriners Hospital for Children
February 9, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Blaze and its staff have made a conscious effort to positively impact the community this offseason by reaching out to its youth. On Tuesday, the team began what it hopes will become a long-standing tradition by visiting the Salt Lake City Shriners Hospital for Children.
Players, dancers and Torch spent time signing autographs, playing games and getting to know the kids of the Shiners Hospital. The festivities began when wide receiver Aaron Lesue, defensive back LaBrose Hedgemon, defensive end Mike Lewis and defensive tackle Keenan Mace arrived with Utah Blaze pennants for the children.
After meeting the kids and signing autographs, players participated in several entertaining events, including a "50-yard" Ping-Pong ball toss and a football throwing challenge. However, the most popular event of the day was when the children got the opportunity to show off their own football skills by hitting tackling dummies while the Blaze team cheered them on.
"It was an extremely humbling and inspiring experience," said Lesue. "Although these kids have been through some rough times, they have great attitudes and remain incredibly resilient. I learned a lot from them and I'm grateful we had the opportunity to meet and have some fun together."
About Shriners Hospitals for Children Shriners Hospitals for Children(r) is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. The 22 hospitals in the United States, Canada and Mexico provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. Shriners Hospitals for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity of donors. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...
Arena Football League Stories from February 9, 2012
- Chicago Rush Single-Game Tickets Go on Sale February 10 - Chicago Rush
- Blaze Players Visit Shriners Hospital for Children - Utah Blaze
- Talons Host Free Scrimmage and FanFest Celebration 2/29 - San Antonio Talons
- Mustangs Support the Cause for Animal Shelters and Rescues of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Mustangs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
