Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern Athletics Hosts Another Successful Field Day
6/8/2010 12:00:00 AM | General
June 8, 2010
Northwestern Field Day Photo Gallery
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern University hosted its 13th annual Field Day on Friday, June 4, allowing children from the Evanston area a chance to meet and interact with some of their favorite Wildcat student-athletes.
Over 200 children from Family Focus, the McGaw YMCA, the Youth Organization Umbrella and area schools descended on the Northwestern turf practice field to participate in activities encompassing the entire scope of the Wildcat athletic department. About 160 student-athletes from each of the University's 19 varsity programs, along with students from Multicultural Student Affairs, hosted stations consisting of activities relevant to their respective sports. Student-athletes either instruct the young fans on some of the intricacies of their individual sports or create fun games for the participants to play.
Betsi Burns, Northwestern's assistant athletic director for academic services and student development, is the creator of Field Day. She began the event 13 years ago as a way to give children from the Evanston area access to Northwestern who may not always have those kinds of opportunities.
"Field Day is our marquee community outreach event for the year and a highlight for our program," said Burns. "The Department of Athletics is committed to giving back to the Evanston community, and this event is just one of many we coordinate each year. We are delighted to see our student athletes be role models to the children of our community and hope to inspire young children to be the best they can be at school, at home, and in their community."
Each child had the chance to spend time with each Wildcat athletic team, getting the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of sports such as lacrosse, golf and soccer. Members of the football, cross country and swimming and diving teams used creative relays for interactive fun with the young fans. Field hockey and tennis teams came up with games not directly related to their sports but integrating some of their equipment and techniques. Basketball, volleyball, baseball and softball teams also provided some one-on-one instruction to the participants.
"It really is a meaningful event for me," Burns said. "It is often difficult to tell who has more fun at this event -- the children or the student athletes! To see student-athletes giving back and see children playing and being excited, it means the world to me."
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