Tuesday, Aug. 3, Head Football Coach Herb Haygood and his team hosted Madonna's first-ever
Victory Day, modeled after the original Victory Day program in Trenton, Mich. This day is all about providing cognitively and physically impaired children with
the opportunity to play football, volleyball, soccer, or cheer and have their "moment
in the sun." There were 34 boys and girls who participated.
Each child was partnered up with a Madonna student-athlete who served as their mentor
for the day. Sporting Victory Day t-shirts, the children had fun learning to pass,
kick, catch, serve, set, and cheer. Every child had the opportunity to score a touchdown,
or a goal, or make a volleyball play, or cheer their heart out, and then hear their
name announced over the loudspeaker. A Victory Day tee and medal were given to each
child, too.
"Victory Day gave our student-athletes the opportunity to celebrate members of our
community, said Coach Haygood. "It was a very special event to witness and I’m very
proud of all of our student-athletes and coaches."
In addition to gaining experience in servant leadership, Madonna athletes also received
the love and admiration of some really special children. One of the moms sent the
following email to Coach Haygood, along with the photos here.
"I just wanted to thank you and your athletes for such an amazing event today.
My son and my best friend's son had so much fun. I am so very thankful he had this
opportunity. Your athletes are a true blessing ... amazing young men and women.
I really hope to bring my son to a game. His main buddy [lmentor] Evan McDowell
really took the time to hang with him and get on his level and it was so amazing to
see. I look forward to years to come. Thank you so very much for this amazing event."
