Quarterback Mark Grieb Visits AchieveKids School
Published on October 31, 2007 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Oct. 31, 2007) - ArenaBowl XXI Most Valuable Player, Mark Grieb, is enjoying his off season by spending time with his family, but he also finds time to make a difference in the local community.
The SaberCats, winners of their third Arena Football League championship this past summer, have developed a continually expanding relationship with the AchieveKids School and their students over the last few years.
"We've been going out to SaberCats' practices for about seven years now," stated Rod Hatch, Program Counselor at the Palo Alto school site. "One of the goals at our organization is for community integration where the kids get to interact with heroes from the area."
While Grieb might not be as big of a local celebrity as there is to offer in the Bay Area, the children recognize him from his lengthy post-practice autograph sessions.
"You saw the look in their eyes," Hatch exclaimed. "They know that is Mark Grieb and know he is a professional football player. They would probably rather have him here right now than Alex Smith."
The disabilities of the students enrolled at AchieveKids range from severe ADD to autism. For more information on the school visit its official website achievekids.org.
Grieb, the SaberCats record holder in virtually every passing category, logs countless time giving back to the area he has called home since childhood.
"I've got a lot of respect for the staff and teachers that work here and manage these kids on a daily basis," admitted Grieb. "I have a nephew who is autistic so I can relate to some of the challenges there are working with kids who have this disease."
Grieb spoke to the kids about sportsmanship and fielded many well-prepared questions regarding arena football. He is also cognizant of the impact he and other athletes can have on children such as these.
"I think athletes are in a privileged position in our society in that a lot of people, for better or worse, listen to athletes and want to hear what they have to say," said Grieb. "If I can be in that position and maybe brighten their day up a little bit, then I will take that opportunity any time I can get it."
A premier franchise in the AFL, the San Jose SaberCats have captured three ArenaBowl titles, seven Western Division championships, eight consecutive playoff appearances and own the league's best regular season record this decade.
Season tickets for the 2008 season are now on sale. Contact a SaberCats' account executive at (408) 573-5577 to reserve your seats today. More information is also available on the team's official website www.sanjosesabercats.com.
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