Photo By Master Sgt. Brian Hamilton | A member of Eva's Heroes celebrates after his turn at bowling during the West team's...... read more read more
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - "The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others," said Albert Schweitzer, German theologian. Participants in the 2015 Army All-American Bowl strive to meet that same goal in the community outreach programs before the big game.
The week leading up to the All-American Bowl is packed with practice and team building, but it also affords players time for community outreach. The players from the West team for the All-American Bowl, spent time with the teenagers and young adults of Eva's Heroes for an afternoon of bowling at Main Event, an activity center and bowling alley in San Antonio.
Eva's Heroes is a nonprofit organization co-founded by actress Eva Longoria. Their mission statement states, "To enrich the lives of people with intellectual special needs." The program is available for individuals aged 14 and older.
The players and teenagers and young adults of Eva's Heroes spent time together bowling and getting to know each other at their community outreach effort.
"This is the most fun I've had in a long time. I get to come out here away from home, and play football and have fun with these guys," said Jacob Daniel, West team defensive tackle from Fresno, California.
Eva's Heroes previously participated in the All-American Bowl community outreach programs in 2012. Jenn Stevenson, Eva's Heroes' program director, said that typically their participants get most of their interaction from their parents, and not as much time is spent with their peers.
"I think it's a great opportunity for our participants. It gives them a chance to see typical high school students who are reaching their goals and really stretching themselves. That's what we want our participants to do; really stretch themselves and challenge themselves. They get to see and do what typically developing teens are doing," said Stevenson.
The players were excited to get the chance to spend some time off the field and with the participants.
"Today has been awesome," said Ben Humphreys, West team linebacker from Newport Beach, California. "I do a lot of work with special needs children back home. It's great to get out and have this experience while we're here."
Eva's Heroes participant Sandra Hernandez would agree, "I'm their biggest fan. Football is my favorite sport."
Hernandez wasn't the only participant of Eva's Heroes who had a great time.
"The players were so nice to me, and I had the best time. I got lots of high-fives and they were really good bowlers," said Zachariah Moccia, Eva's Heroes young adult. "I was so glad they could come out and bowl with us."
| Date Taken: | 12.30.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 12.31.2014 16:56 |
| Story ID: | 151289 |
| Location: | SAN ANTONIO, TX, US |
| Hometown: | FRESNO, CA, US |
| Hometown: | NEWPORT BEACH, CA, US |
| Hometown: | SAN ANTONIO, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 99 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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