Promoting sportsmanship and good behavior to a generation of future leaders is the goal of Otterbein University’s Sports Pals outreach program.
The partnership between Otterbein and Avalon Elementary School allows volunteers from several Otterbein student organizations the opportunity to dedicate a few hours each week to serving more than 50 low-income children at Avalon.
The volunteers visit Avalon Monday from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. to work with third- through fifth-raders. For the first hour, they teach the value of leadership among their friends and within their neighborhoods, encourage teamwork in their actions, and give tips on proper nutrition and healthful living. The next hour is dedicated to having fun and playing a variety of sports.
“Each time we visit the school, we have a theme for the week, such as sportsmanship or teamwork,” says Sports Pals program coordinator Ashley Meade. “We start the lesson with an example and discussion on why that specific topic is important and then play games and activities that are centered on that lesson.”
The volunteers promote good sportsmanship and character through these interactive games on a “peaceful playground,” Meade says. Otterbein students, who value a safe space for building cooperative and friendly relationships, designed the program.
“The volunteers serve as positive role models for the children, while growing themselves as leaders,” says Meade.
Sports Pals is led by Otterbein’s CardinalCorps Leaders program. Created by the university’s Center for Community Engagement, CardinalCorps is a network of students, staff, faculty and alumni devoted to social change through campus service learning and community-based action.
“The CardinalCorps is the community of students making an impact through service,” says Meade. “We are a select group who plan and promote these opportunities on campus.”
Meade shares Sports Pals coordinator duties with fellow CardinalCorps Leader Trenton Antonaros. Both are students.
Olivia Tharp is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at hbealer@cityscenecolumbus.com.
