Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.
By Blake Rockwell
Executive Director
In the mid-1990's, I spent three hours each Thursday night volunteering at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. This experience had a profound impact on my life. I met incredibly courageous and inspiring patients and parents who, after an exhausting day at work, would muster the energy and enthusiasm to spend several hours playing, reading and caring for their sick child. I also met unstoppable and devoted doctors, nurses, child life specialists and fellow volunteers, many of whom I'm proud to say are still my friends today. All of these people are still etched in my memory.
As a sports enthusiast, this experience also impacted me in a different way. I was surprised to learn that many of the patients I met were big sports fans too. Early in my volunteering, I was silly to think that these youngsters couldn't possibly enjoy sports since their illnesses limited or prevented them from participating in athletics. I couldn't have been more mistaken. For many, their passion for sports exceeded that of many healthy children I knew.
I was in for another surprise. I discovered that few of these patients had ever attended a game. Their exposure to sports was limited to video games and what they watched on TV.
I thought to myself how amazing it would be to not just take these kids to a game, but make them a part of a game. Provide the children with the feeling of being a member of a team with tens of thousands of fans cheering for them and a day filled with special surprises and experiences in and around the stadium that are not available to the average fan.
What could be better than introducing these youngsters to the color, pagentry, sights and sounds of college football?
Since 2002, Special Spectators has hosted nearly 6,000 seriously ill children, parents and siblings at roughly 185 game day events complete with tailgate parties, locker room visits, meeting players and coaches, and standing on the field for a stadium announcement.
The 2011 season is poised to be our biggest ever. Stay tuned.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Project 1-2-3: Day 13 - A Day with the Dawgs
Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.
The Special Spectators event at the University of Georgia included a tailgate party, meeting the women's basketball team, courtside seats for a men's basketball practice and a visit on the field at Sanford Stadium. Oh . . . the kids met a couple bulldogs, too.
The Special Spectators event at the University of Georgia included a tailgate party, meeting the women's basketball team, courtside seats for a men's basketball practice and a visit on the field at Sanford Stadium. Oh . . . the kids met a couple bulldogs, too.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Project 1-2-3: Day 12 - The 'Cats and the "Claw"
Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.
A Special Spectators event at Northwestern includes Willie the Wildcat teaching the "Claw" to the kids during a visit to our pre-game tailgate; meeting WGN Radio's, Dave Eanet, high atop Ryan Field; an autograph session with the victorious 'Cats outside the locker room; and the kids show Coach Fitzgerald their "Claw" during a post-game visit.
A Special Spectators event at Northwestern includes Willie the Wildcat teaching the "Claw" to the kids during a visit to our pre-game tailgate; meeting WGN Radio's, Dave Eanet, high atop Ryan Field; an autograph session with the victorious 'Cats outside the locker room; and the kids show Coach Fitzgerald their "Claw" during a post-game visit.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Project 1-2-3: Day 11 - "All Access"
Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.
This picture taken by volunteer Kay Tangner of Special Spectator, Turner, says it all. From his front row seats at Oklahoma's Memorial Stadium, Turner soaks up the excitement. A light breeze blew his game pass over his shoulder and reveals exactly what our events provide, "All Access."
More on Turner later in "Project 1-2-3."
This picture taken by volunteer Kay Tangner of Special Spectator, Turner, says it all. From his front row seats at Oklahoma's Memorial Stadium, Turner soaks up the excitement. A light breeze blew his game pass over his shoulder and reveals exactly what our events provide, "All Access."
More on Turner later in "Project 1-2-3."
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Project 1-2-3: Day 10 - Rain or Shine
Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.
Mother Nature has been a friend to Special Spectators. Out of the 185 game day events we've hosted, it's estimated that less than 10 have been impacted by rainy weather. When the weather turns soggy, however, it doesn't dampen the kids' excitement.
September 13, 2008, Special Spectators was scheduled to host nearly 50 kids and parents from Chicago area hospitals at a Northwestern football game. Remnants from hurricane Ike dumped nearly seven inches of rain - a record rainfall for one day in Chicago. Highways were closed, viaducts were flooded and no route to the stadium was immune from at least one detour. What should have been a one hour drive for one family, turned into a three and a half hour excursion.
Some of our families stayed home, but about half of our gang made it to the pre-game tailgate party. All those who arrived, stayed until the game was over and met the Wildcats during a post-game visit. The players didn't disappoint! They made sure everyone had an autograph and spent time meeting and talking with the youngsters.
When you consider what some of the kids go through with their illness, being outside in a deluge that measures almost seven inches is nothing!
Mother Nature has been a friend to Special Spectators. Out of the 185 game day events we've hosted, it's estimated that less than 10 have been impacted by rainy weather. When the weather turns soggy, however, it doesn't dampen the kids' excitement.
September 13, 2008, Special Spectators was scheduled to host nearly 50 kids and parents from Chicago area hospitals at a Northwestern football game. Remnants from hurricane Ike dumped nearly seven inches of rain - a record rainfall for one day in Chicago. Highways were closed, viaducts were flooded and no route to the stadium was immune from at least one detour. What should have been a one hour drive for one family, turned into a three and a half hour excursion.
Some of our families stayed home, but about half of our gang made it to the pre-game tailgate party. All those who arrived, stayed until the game was over and met the Wildcats during a post-game visit. The players didn't disappoint! They made sure everyone had an autograph and spent time meeting and talking with the youngsters.
When you consider what some of the kids go through with their illness, being outside in a deluge that measures almost seven inches is nothing!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Project 1-2-3: Day 9 - Getting a Lift
Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.
Girls enjoy Special Spectators game day events just as much as boys. They love meeting coaches, players, watching the game and occasionally, they find themselves in the middle of the action that eludes the boys. Today's picture from the Special Spectators event at Indiana shows what I mean. A Hoosier cheerleader provides a lift for one excited young lady.
Girls enjoy Special Spectators game day events just as much as boys. They love meeting coaches, players, watching the game and occasionally, they find themselves in the middle of the action that eludes the boys. Today's picture from the Special Spectators event at Indiana shows what I mean. A Hoosier cheerleader provides a lift for one excited young lady.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Project 1-2-3: Day 8 - The Moms
Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.
On Mother's Day 2011, we honor the amazing women we've met over the last nine years and all the moms with seriously ill children. They are truly remarkable and gracefully manage a dizzying list or responsibilities. They drive for hours and travel many miles, sometimes more than once a week, for their child's treatment. They spend sleepless nights endlessly researching illnesses, doctors, hospitals and medications. Moms quickly become part-time doctors and pharmacists. They tackle mountains of bills and insurance forms. Doing all this while working, cooking, getting kids to school, shopping, helping with homework and ensuring their other kids don't feel neglected. To them we say a big, "Happy Mother's Day!"
We also want to share with you some very nice comments moms said about Special Spectators. Here are a few:
"Thank you so much for making this day so amazing for my daughter, Olivia! I know she will never forget this day and how amazing it was!" J.H. Mother
"This was really great. Other than holidays and birthdays, Saturday's game was the first time we've been out as a family in the last three years" L.R. - Mother
"My son has suffered so and I have cried a million tears, but the joy that you gave these children with Special Spectators will take away some to those sad times. We lay at night talking about the roar the crowd made for those four little heroes who stood on that OU field. Brian’s eyes light up when he tells others about the limo ride and all the special things that happened that night. To those who made it happen, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the joy you brought to these kids who so deserve it." E.B. - Mother
On Mother's Day 2011, we honor the amazing women we've met over the last nine years and all the moms with seriously ill children. They are truly remarkable and gracefully manage a dizzying list or responsibilities. They drive for hours and travel many miles, sometimes more than once a week, for their child's treatment. They spend sleepless nights endlessly researching illnesses, doctors, hospitals and medications. Moms quickly become part-time doctors and pharmacists. They tackle mountains of bills and insurance forms. Doing all this while working, cooking, getting kids to school, shopping, helping with homework and ensuring their other kids don't feel neglected. To them we say a big, "Happy Mother's Day!"
We also want to share with you some very nice comments moms said about Special Spectators. Here are a few:
"Thank you so much for making this day so amazing for my daughter, Olivia! I know she will never forget this day and how amazing it was!" J.H. Mother
"This was really great. Other than holidays and birthdays, Saturday's game was the first time we've been out as a family in the last three years" L.R. - Mother
"My son has suffered so and I have cried a million tears, but the joy that you gave these children with Special Spectators will take away some to those sad times. We lay at night talking about the roar the crowd made for those four little heroes who stood on that OU field. Brian’s eyes light up when he tells others about the limo ride and all the special things that happened that night. To those who made it happen, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the joy you brought to these kids who so deserve it." E.B. - Mother
"I wanted you to know what an incredible time he (and his dad) had! He called me every 30 minutes and started our conversation with, “Mom, you aren’t going to believe this!” He had such a great time. Thank you for giving him the opportunity of a lifetime. Not only did Tanner love meeting the coach and the players, he loved the cheerleaders, the sounds, the colors, the whole thing.
Again thank you. What you are doing for these kids will not only give them lasting memories, but boost their self esteem. Tanner loved showing his classmates his memorabilia and pictures. And what an opportunity to be seen on TV." P.J. - Mother
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Project 1-2-3: Day 7 - A Local Legend
Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.
Of all the different activities during a Special Spectators game day event, meeting the athletes may be the most popular. Whether it's the student-athletes who visit our tailgate parties or the players in the locker room, the children love meeting their local heroes. The athletes don't disappoint - they're accessible and naturally connect with the kids.
This was especially true during an event at Fresno State. Despite the 105 degree temperatures, the children enjoyed playing games with members of the men's and women's basketball teams and women's volleyball team. It wasn't until the arrival of perhaps the most famous Bulldog, however, that their excitement peaked. NFL quarterback David Carr made a special appearance at our tailgate party. The 100 patients and parents from Children's Hospital Central California in nearby Madera, anxiously waited for an autograph and a picture with the former Fresno State star. Here's a great shot from that moment.
Of all the different activities during a Special Spectators game day event, meeting the athletes may be the most popular. Whether it's the student-athletes who visit our tailgate parties or the players in the locker room, the children love meeting their local heroes. The athletes don't disappoint - they're accessible and naturally connect with the kids.
This was especially true during an event at Fresno State. Despite the 105 degree temperatures, the children enjoyed playing games with members of the men's and women's basketball teams and women's volleyball team. It wasn't until the arrival of perhaps the most famous Bulldog, however, that their excitement peaked. NFL quarterback David Carr made a special appearance at our tailgate party. The 100 patients and parents from Children's Hospital Central California in nearby Madera, anxiously waited for an autograph and a picture with the former Fresno State star. Here's a great shot from that moment.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Project 1-2-3: Day 6 - The Roar of the Crowd
Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.
We often say that Special Spectators doesn't just TAKE seriously ill children to games, but makes them a PART of the games by providing access to people and areas of the stadium that are not accessible to most fans. This includes participating in pre game preparation, visiting the locker room, meeting coaches and players and taking part in post game traditions. Our goal is to give the kids a sense that they're a member of the team.
Nothing exemplifies this better than the stadium announcement. Not only does it create incredible memories for the parents and their children, but provides an opportunity for the youngsters to know exactly how it feels to have tens of thousands of fans cheering for them - just like the players.
While the kids stand on the field during a time out, a stadium announcement explains why the youngsters are attending the game, provides a brief description of Special Spectators and asks the crowd to give the children a warm welcome to the stadium. Typically this results in a standing ovation.
Imagine as many as 100,000 fans giving a small group of seriously ill children one of the loudest standing ovations you've ever heard. While walking kids back to their seats, it's not unusual to notice fans wiping tears from their eyes and hearing them yell words of encouragement.
This video includes a perfect example of this moment courtesy of the 2007 Special Spectators game day event at Washington State and KXLY.
We often say that Special Spectators doesn't just TAKE seriously ill children to games, but makes them a PART of the games by providing access to people and areas of the stadium that are not accessible to most fans. This includes participating in pre game preparation, visiting the locker room, meeting coaches and players and taking part in post game traditions. Our goal is to give the kids a sense that they're a member of the team.
Nothing exemplifies this better than the stadium announcement. Not only does it create incredible memories for the parents and their children, but provides an opportunity for the youngsters to know exactly how it feels to have tens of thousands of fans cheering for them - just like the players.
While the kids stand on the field during a time out, a stadium announcement explains why the youngsters are attending the game, provides a brief description of Special Spectators and asks the crowd to give the children a warm welcome to the stadium. Typically this results in a standing ovation.
Imagine as many as 100,000 fans giving a small group of seriously ill children one of the loudest standing ovations you've ever heard. While walking kids back to their seats, it's not unusual to notice fans wiping tears from their eyes and hearing them yell words of encouragement.
This video includes a perfect example of this moment courtesy of the 2007 Special Spectators game day event at Washington State and KXLY.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Project 1-2-3: Day 5 - Special Delivery
Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.
The 2005 Special Spectators game day event at the University of Colorado was loaded with fun activities for the 100 seriously ill youngsters and parents from The Children's Hospital in Denver. Everyone enjoyed a delicious tailgate dinner thanks to the Levy Restaurants staff from the Pepsi Center. The kids received a standing ovation from the CU fans while standing on Folsom Field during a time out. FSN's John Rhadigan featured the children during the game telecast. There was even a fireworks show during halftime.
No one, however, expected the type of surprise that occurred during the tailgate party. Crocs, the sponsor of the event, gave each child a pair of black and gold clogs delivered by about 20 members of the CU football team. The players, while dressed in full gear minus their helmets, sized each youngster and made sure each pair fit properly.
Check out FSN's coverage here. (The second segment at the 1:50 mark).
The 2005 Special Spectators game day event at the University of Colorado was loaded with fun activities for the 100 seriously ill youngsters and parents from The Children's Hospital in Denver. Everyone enjoyed a delicious tailgate dinner thanks to the Levy Restaurants staff from the Pepsi Center. The kids received a standing ovation from the CU fans while standing on Folsom Field during a time out. FSN's John Rhadigan featured the children during the game telecast. There was even a fireworks show during halftime.
No one, however, expected the type of surprise that occurred during the tailgate party. Crocs, the sponsor of the event, gave each child a pair of black and gold clogs delivered by about 20 members of the CU football team. The players, while dressed in full gear minus their helmets, sized each youngster and made sure each pair fit properly.
Check out FSN's coverage here. (The second segment at the 1:50 mark).
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