Fresno State Athletics
Big and Little Heroes Program Kicked Off This Week
10/19/2007 12:00:00 AM | General
Oct. 19, 2007
FRESNO, Calif. - Over 50 Fresno State student-athletes from eight men's and women's sports participated in the Annual Big and Little Heroes program run by a volunteer committee of the Rotary Club of Fresno, Children's Hospital Central California and the Fresno State CHAMPS Life Skills Program. The event took place Thursday, October 18 at the Fresno State bowling alley from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
"It is such a great opportunity for our Department to be able to team up with Rotary and Children's Hospital Central California," said CHAMPS Life Skills coordinator Jon Giesel.
More than 25 Children's patients and their siblings, ages 12 and under, met and played with Fresno State student-athletes to help the children gain self-esteem, be a new positive role model and develop an expanded support system. Each patient has two student-athletes assigned to them.
"Bowling was a hit," added Giesel. "It was such a great sight to see everyone interact. It was a great way to kick off the year."
"It is the best experience I have ever had," said Haley Gilleland, a freshman on the softball team. "My little hero made it that way. She was a joy. We were getting tired, but she kept motivating us to keep going."
"Big and Little Heroes is such a great program," said Mike Falge, Rotary Club member and chairman of the Big and Little Heroes Committee. "It lightens the day of those kids. It's a unique experience to see the kids and athletes interact. The kids always see them as athletes and this gives them the opportunity to see them in a different light. It shows the really good side of Fresno State athletics. These athletes are not just great at their sports, they are really great people."
Over the 2007-08 school year, the student-athletes will participate in seven events with their little heroes: bowling (twice), a Fresno State volleyball match, Christmas party, a Fresno State basketball game, a Valentines Day party at Children's hospital and a Fresno State baseball game.
"I did this last year for the first time and I thoroughly enjoyed it," said Todd Angel, a sophomore golfer from Clovis, Calif., "Being able to be around younger kids in a world of need was awesome. I got to really know my little hero and be a friend to him. "
"The Little Heroes are the focus and heart of the program, and we appreciate the time and effort they and their parents take to attend all of the events. It is amazing how strong and positive the kids are," added Giesel.
The next Big & Little Heroes event will be Little Heroes Night at the Nov. 1 Women's Volleyball match against San Jose State, where the Big & Little Heroes will watch the game and be announced at half-time. Come and support the Little Heroes night and enjoy the game.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - For information on Fresno State tickets to any home event log on to www.gobulldogs.com, call 559-278-DOGS, or visit the Bulldog Ticket Office.
