The St. Thomas athletes’ faces brightened the campus last Monday morning with their rosy cheeks and tan lines, but if you ask any of them, the sunburns were worth it. Last Sunday afternoon, STU athletes participated in a charity beach volleyball tournament for Right To Play. Although many of the 60 athletes in the tournament do not play volleyball, they made the effort to win games and fully enjoy the experience.
Along with having a good time, they raised $274 for Right To Play, an international organization that uses sports and games to educate and empower youth. Their goal is to create stronger health practices, quality education and peaceful communities for children around the world.
“Right to Play is great because sports can play such a vital and developmental role in children’s lives, and everyone should have the opportunity to experience the camaraderie of a team,” said Taylor Dube, first-time women’s rugby player.
The event was hosted at the Willie O’Ree Place volleyball courts and was organized by Coach NB, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting coaches of New Brunswick.
“It was awesome to see the sportsmanship and leadership the athletes had while playing,” said Samia Gould, coach education coordinator of Coach NB. Coach NB formed a partnership with Right To Play in April and has been putting on events since to raise awareness in New Brunswick communities.
“Student athletes are leaders and will become leaders in their communities and especially for coaching,” Gould added.
Emily Francis is one of those potential community leaders. This season will be her third playing for the women’s hockey team at STU.
“Having the opportunity to play sports is something that many of us athletes take advantage of and is not a thought that crosses our minds much. Events like this are eye opening and help us athletes become aware that not everyone has the privileges we have, and some never will,” said Francis.
