The St. Thomas women’s basketball team is giving back to the community.
On Nov. 7, nine of the players spent an hour at George Street Middle School in Fredericton, helping with a fundraiser for the Best Buddies program at the school.
Tommies coach Fred Connors said his daughter is a part of the program at George Street Middle School, which is why he wanted to help out. He and his team organized a free throw competition to give their support.
“A lot of the people in the community give to us and we have to give back. You can’t just sit with your hand out all day,” he said.
Students from George Street paid $1 to shoot ten foul shots each. Those who hit the most for their age group got a St. Thomas t-shirt. All the money raised went to George Street’s Best Buddies program, which is dedicated to developing relationships for those who have intellectual disabilities.
“We are here as an educational institution and as an athletic program because of educational institutions and athletic programs that these kids came through to get here,” said Connors.
A few members of the team couldn’t make it because of classes, but the rest went. Third year player Kelly Vass is studying to be a teacher, and enjoyed the opportunity to help out with kids.
“It was so fun. The community gives a lot to us, therefore why not give back to the community,” said Vass.
The team has done charity work in the past, like the Terry Fox Run and 12 Hours for the Homeless. Connors understands how essential a supportive community is in all levels of sports, and wants his players to understand that as well.
“People gave to them, and people gave to me when I played. I think it’s really important that these girls understand that they give back for the same reason. Not because you want something out of it, but because a lot of people gave a lot for them to get here, so we give back to pay it forward,” he said.
Vass didn’t hear any of her teammates complain. Instead, they want to do more.
“They have activities once a month so I think a few of us, or as many as we can get on the team, to go in and take part in whatever they’re doing, whether it’s basketball or other sports, just so we can be involved in the community and be involved in giving back,” said Vass.
Now, Connors has let middle schools in Fredericton know that he and his team are willing to come and help out. The George Street fundraiser looks to be just the beginning.
“I think we need to do a little bit more in the schools, and I think it has to be part of the expectations when a player arrives is that this is what we’re going to do when we’re here. So, not throwing it in the middle of the mix but it’s an engrained part of the culture of the program.”
