Utah's Hyland Named Week 8 National Guard Community MVP
Published on April 27, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL) News Release
CHICAGO -Utah Blaze DB DAVID HYLAND has been named National Guard Community MVP of the Week for his recent philanthropic efforts.
Hyland (6-0, 205, Morehead State) is in his second season in the AFL and his first with the Blaze.
Hyland recently participated in a "Jump-A-Thon" at a local elementary school, to promote staying active, an initiative the Blaze have been sponsoring.
The Blaze have started a new "Stay Active, Stay Fit," program where players and staff attend local elementary schools to speak and promote active living. Students are then given a chart that allows them to track their daily activities for one month. At the end of the month, students can exchange their completed chart for a free ticket to a Blaze home game.
"We have been encouraging the kids by telling them to stay active, put down the video games for a little bit and go outside and play," Hyland said. "It's important to tell them that when we were growing up staying active not only kept us in shape but really helped us get to where we are now."
On March 31, Hyland and his teammates volunteered at a Muscular Dystrophy Walk in Salt Lake City.
"The event consisted of mostly younger kids with muscular dystrophy," Hyland said. "They were in their wheelchairs and we went to cheer them on like they would do for us in a sporting event." Hyland said he felt most passionate when working with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
"It really puts everything in perspective and gives you an appreciation for the little things like walking and being able to do things for yourself," Hyland said. "I just have so much respect for those kids and how hard they work to overcome that."
Hyland said he doesn't need recognition for his service to realize that he is doing the right thing.
"It's a great opportunity to use the platform that we've been given as professional athletes to help other people," Hyland said.
The Utah Blaze (4-2) face the Milwaukee Mustangs (2-3) Saturday at 8:00 pm ET and will be broadcast on "AFL Live" on UStream.
The National Guard Community MVP is awarded to one player each week in recognition of their commitment to community service. Following the 2012 season, players will be voted on by fans to become the National Guard Community MVP of the Year.
Arena Football League Stories from April 27, 2012
- Blaze Game Date Changed - Utah Blaze
- Tampa Bay Storm to host ââ¬ËMilitary Night' Saturday, May 26th - Tampa Bay Storm
- Utah's Hyland Named Week 8 National Guard Community MVP - AFL
- Philadelphia Soul Ready to Face Predators - Philadelphia Soul
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