Michigan athletes mingle, play with special needs children
Joey Kortiac, left, battles Mario Romero from Michigan's fencing team at Crisler Arena on Friday. (Photo courtesty of Kristin Rueger and the T. Wall Foundation)
About 375 special athletes from all over Washtenaw County converged in Crisler Arena to meet and learn sport skills from University of Michigan student-athletes.
These 375 kids were given the chance to get close to the “leaders and the best” and to feel what it was like to be a Michigan athlete for the fourth consecutive year in cooperation with the T. Wall Foundation of Ann Arbor.
Former Michigan wide receiver LaTerryal Savoy poses with Jake and Taylor on Friday. (Photo courtesty of Kristin Rueger and the T. Wall Foundation)
Best Buddies helped make sure that the kids, a group that included individuals with physical, as well as mental disabilities, had the opportunity to participate at all of the sports stations. One of the most popular stations was the football station. Michael Schofield, a freshman offensive tackle for Michigan, tossed the ball with participants, and found himself "downed" several times by nimble elementary school gridiron opponents. When asked how he'd been recruited to participate in the Victor's Day, Schofield smiled and said that a friend on the team had told him about the event.
Michigan cheerleaders Lakia Abron, left, and Leslie Tillotsen pose with Dan Koehler on Friday. (Photo courtesty of Kristin Rueger and the T. Wall Foundation)
Mike Sweeney, a special education teacher since 2004 at Ann Arbor's Commerce Square/Central Academy, has known the event's organizer Tom Wall since the two were college students. "I've been doing special Olympic events for 30 years," said Sweeney. "Tom and I go way back. This is what he's doing in his retirement, and it touches the lives of so many kids.
"This is my fourth year at the Victor's Day," said Patty Lawson, a special education teacher from Chelsea and who accompanied the class she teaches. "Tom Wall is an amazing man, and this event is absolutely the high-point of the year for many of my kids."
Tom Wall, CEO and his son, Brent, president of All Star Driver Education, and organizers of the T.Wall Foundation, have co-sponsored this event with the U of M Best Buddies for four years. Pat Lesko, a mayoral candidate, also volunteered for the day. Event organizer for the Best Buddies and representing the U of M was Gabby Einstein-Sim and in kind sponsorships included, Conner O'Neil's , Bushes, Cottage Inn Pizza and photographer Kristin Rueger. (http://kcourtneyphotography.com/blog/ ) Tom Wall took a couple of minutes to discuss the importance of Victor’s Day and also talked about his foundation. He is proud that almost 95 percent of the monies donated to the T. Wall Foundation go back to the special children and their families. Last year the T. Wall Foundation received over 19 hardship letters in mid-November from the teachers of special education children. Although many of these special families are hurting, they have a lot of pride and will not ask for help. The teachers know better then anyone who is suffering during the holidays though so they write to the foundation. This past December, the Foundation purchased beds for several children, who were sleeping on a hard floor, provided gifts and other holiday items in order to make The T. Wall Foundation mission statement, “to make one day a very special day in the life of special children” come true. In addition to the Victor’s Day, the T. Wall Foundation also organizes an event called T. Wall. B. Ball in the late fall at Greenhills High School. This year will be its 18th anniversary. All of these events are made possible by two primary events; selling pre-game hot dogs at the All Star Hot Dog Stand on Main Street at the intersection of Pauline, and a golf outing at Travis Pointe Country Club on Monday, July 19. Go to the Twallfoundation.org website or contact Tom Wall at tom@twallfoundation.org or 734-665-7374 Extension: 204 if you want to volunteer, donate or sign up to play golf. The T.Wall Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization.
Comments
Tom
Tue, Mar 30, 2010 : 1:24 p.m.
Last December the T.Wall Foundation received several hardship letters from special education teachers in Washtenaw County.Here are some samples hardship letters of those we were able to help. LETTER #1 This family has a total of 9 kids in it. There are 3 older siblings that are in their early 20's, so I am not going to list them in this letter. There are 6 children that are 15 years old or younger. The girl in my classroom just turned 15 (9th grade),another girl is 13(8th grade) the 4 boys is 11 years (6th grade),10 years (5th grade), 8 years(3rd grade), and 5 (Kindergarten). This family has had its ups and downs for the past 2 years now. Each one of these children is very well mannered and so thankful for the little things that they have. The mother is legally blind has obviously done a wonderful job with raising these children, but has just had her unfortunate share of bad luck. She has been sick on and off for the past couple years, and according to the oldest daughter, this mom may have lung cancer too. Just when things got bad, another day happened and they hit rock bottom. In October this family was evicted from their home. All of their belongings were put out on their lawn in black bags, and unfortunately before many of the family's things could be salvaged, people had looted their belongings. I know that the girl I teach, is wearing the clothes that she had on when they were evicted to school almost every day. The sad thing is that this family is not even able to stay together. They are all separated in 3 different places. This is so heartbreaking to watch. I have seen such a change in the 8th and 9th graders behaviors/attitudes lately. There are so many different feelings going through their bodies right now(embarrassment, sadness, scared, nervous, exhausted, and so many others). I would love to be able to help this family out in their time of need. I do know how appreciative the mom, as well as the children, would be. To be able to bring some joy to this family would bring joy to me. Please let me know if the T. Wall Foundation can help. LETTER # 2 I am writing you this letter in hope to seek a wish to help give my two wonderful boys a Christmas.This is very hard for me to ask for help with the holidays, but I know that my boys deserve it and I will do anything for them.I am a 31 year old single mother, my sons are 17 and 8. My oldest is a honor student, and football player - he is such a great kid, and has been such a big help with his little brother, who is disabled and had to spend many days in the hospital, he also helps clean, reads to his brother and never asks me for anything because he knows that we have very little money. I know that it is hard on him not to have other things that his friends might have. My younger son is the cutest little guy is also a very good boy. He was born with a cleft lip, palette and Interception ( which causes his intestines to twist ) He wants to be a hunter when he gets older- because he loves deer! He also loves to sing! I worked full time up until the last 3 years when I was told that I have chronic kidney problems, along with Fibromyalgia, which makes it so hard on some days to just get out of bed. We live on $415.00 per month and get $200.00 in food stamps, the boys also get free lunch at school. My soon to be ex husband has paid the house payment, but gives us no other help. I just live day by day hug my boys and pray that I can keep the lights on and feed them each month. Without your help, my boys will not have a Christmas- which breaks me heart because how do you explain to a 7 year old that Santa forgot to come? Any help would be a blessing - God bless you. Also I do not have a computer, and this is my neighbors e-mail - so please contact me by phone Thank you I The monies from our All Star Hot Dog Stand which operates on the front lawn at 1009 South Main and Pauline generated $5000.00 went to help many special needy families. Please stop by next Michigan Football season and buy a Hot Dog from our special staff. We are always looking for volunteers and if you know any golfers please encourage them to go to our website www.twallfoundation.org and sign up for our 2nd Annual T. Wall Golf Outing on Monday, July 19th at Travis Pointe Country Club.
Barbara Wall
Mon, Mar 29, 2010 : 7:29 p.m.
What a wonderful experience Victor's Day was for all the kids who participated! They are probably still smiling and will have memories to carry with them for a lifetime. Everyone who made this magical day possible; from the athletes to the sponsors to the TWAll Foundation is a shining example of selflessness in action. The event was truly a win-win situation for all. Barbara W.
Chris Rueger
Mon, Mar 29, 2010 : 9:21 a.m.
What a great event!! To see the smiles on the children's faces, them getting their shirts autographed and having a great time with the U of M athletes is a blessing. I had my first experience last year at the 1st annual T Wall golf outing held at Travis Pointe and what a great time we had playing golf and raising money for the T Wall Foundation. If there's one golf outing you attend this year make it the T Wall Foundation outing. It is such a good cause and an A+++ event. The T wall Foundation is a top notch organization!!!!
teachingforfun
Mon, Mar 29, 2010 : 8:31 a.m.
I bring my students to this event every year. I want to thank Tom Wall and his foundation for all of the hard work he puts into planning and getting a program like this in motion. My students look forward to Victor's Day every year! They have so much fun! I really want to thank all of the athletes that took time out of their busy life to make a difference in a child's life. Thank you! Thank you!
mrmmrm
Mon, Mar 29, 2010 : 7:37 a.m.
I am an Ypsilanti Special Education teacher and we have been participating in events with the T Wall Foundation for several years. My students love getting to meet U of M athletes as well as participate in the other events, they always have smiles on their face. It is especially fun at Victors Day because the athletes are so involved and do a wonderful job with engaging the students in things they normally would not have a chance to do, like the gymnast station when they jump off a spring board. What I truly enjoy is that they engage everyone, regardless of how capable they are. My students have also been on the receiving end of donations from the T-Wall organization, which has been a huge help to them in times of need. Thank you Tom and the entire organization, you have no idea the difference you make in our lives and the lives of all our students.
A2 Shirts
Sun, Mar 28, 2010 : 11:58 p.m.
It is a great feeling to see a foundation such as the T Wall Foundation make a positive difference in people's lives. This exciting event combines the spirit of sport and philanthropy to better the live of many families. This event is a valuable life experience for both the kids and the athletes. GO T. WALL!
Brent Wall
Sun, Mar 28, 2010 : 8:49 p.m.
This was one of many great events put on by the T Wall Foundation throughout the year for special needs students throughout Washtenaw and Livingston County. I have been to every one of the T Wall Foundation events and I must say this one topped them all! We received such an overwhelming positive response and involvement from the U of M student athletes, and the help of the other volunteer U of M students, that the overall success of this event would not have otherwise been possible. To see the excitement in the special needs students faces during this event really makes all of the hard work in putting on events like these well worth it for those involved in the T Wall Foundation!
Adam Vassallo
Sun, Mar 28, 2010 : 5:52 p.m.
I am familiar with the TWall Foundation and know what good work they do for the children and in the community. A great organization that brings much needed happiness to children. Allowing the children to step into Crisler Arena is a big deal regardless of their status. What kid wouldn't want to be doing that and having a chance to mingle with Darius Morris and Zack Novak. I hope the foundation can keep it up and going during these difficult times and continue to put smiles on children's faces.
Sue Littlefield
Sun, Mar 28, 2010 : 4:57 p.m.
The T. Wall Foundation has absolutely made a difference in my life and the lives of my students. I am a Willow Run teacher and have been blessed with being able to take part in the many events that the T. Wall Foundation puts on annually, along with several of my families receiving various gifts and donations from the foundation. My classroom had the most amazing time at the Victor's day event at Crisler Arena on Friday. What an opportunity for them to be able to meet wonderful and talented athletes from UofM, as they did on Friday. Without the T.Wall Foundation organizing and making events like this happen, many of my students would never even step foot into an arena such as Crisler Arena. Mr. Tom Wall, his wife Marie and their son Brent are definitely angels that have been sent to make a difference in the lives of many people. I am so lucky to have them and their T. Wall Foundation involved in my classroom and my life. They have made such a commitment to helping others, and it definitely does not go unnoticed. I am very appreciative of everything that they do for us and I do know that my families also are very appreciative. I am thankful to be a part of this. Without the T. Wall Foundation and the awesome things they do for classrooms and families, I know that the hardships that many of my families face would be even more difficult. Being able to go deliver gifts and items to families that the T. Wall Foundation has purchased, is the most special and amazing feeling in this world. I thank you Tom Wall and your family and the Foundation for always doing and helping families. You make a difference in our lives daily. Your generosity and kindness is greatly appreciated.