Collin Barber rides the merry-go-round with one of the children at the Give Kids The World Village.
Orange Begins Champs Sports Bowl Preparation
12/19/2004 2:03:15 PM | Football
ORLANDO, Fla. – After arriving in Orlando on Saturday evening, the Syracuse football team got down to business on Sunday, Dec. 19. A full slate of activities were on the schedule, including the team’s first practice in Orlando.
Syracuse’s 11 seniors started the day with a trip to the Give Kids The World Village to visit with the residents and their parents.
Seniors Collin Barber, Diamond Ferri, Andre Fontenette, Greg Hanoian, Jared Jones, Julian Pollard, Walter Reyes, O’Neil Scott, Troy Swittenburg, Matt Tarullo and Adam Terry spent two hours interacting with the park’s guests. The team played miniature golf, rode a merry-go-round, signed autographs and took pictures with the kids. The highlight of the trip was a dancing session which featured the cha-cha slide, the macarena and the YMCA.
The Give Kids The World Village is a non-profit resort for children with life-threatening illnesses whose one wish is to visit Central Florida’s most popular attractions. Wish-granting organizations identify these children and their families and coordinate round-trip transportation to Orlando. Give Kids The World then provides week-long vacations complete with accommodations at its 51-acre Village, attraction tickets and meals.“It really puts things in perspective about how blessed we are,” Pollard, one of SU’s three captains said. “A place like this shows how kind people really are. It feels great to be able to bring a smile to people’s faces. It was so much fun. I really enjoy being around kids. I wouldn’t miss this for anything. It was really great to be here. I feel like I’ve accomplished something really good.”
Several players took advantage of the Florida weather for some fun in the sun. Many members of the team enjoyed the pool at the team hotel.
After relaxing by the pool, it was time to turn to business with a practice at the Florida Citrus Bowl complex.
“To be out in the sunshine and running around in shorts is something we haven’t been able to do for a long time. We’re thankful to be here.”
SU (6-5, 4-2 BIG EAST) will square off with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-5, 4-4 ACC) in the Champs Sports Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 21. Kick-off is set for 7:45 p.m. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
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