Over 300 children from kindergarten all the way to sixth grade participated in the the eighth annual Sports 4 Kids Day event. The event was hosted by Saint Francis University athletes and took place in the Maurice Stokes Athletic Center.

Students were given the chance to play and interact with members of a Red Flash sports team.

Sports 4 Kids Day is in memory of Alicia Richardson who was a member of the Red Flash women’s volleyball team for three years. Richardson, who actively participated in the community, had a promising teaching career, but she sadly passed away towards the end of her senior year in January 2007.

“Her love for sports and passion for working with children is what inspired SAAC to hold the first Sports 4 Kids Day in her honor,” said Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services Kellie Mason.

Mason said that her favorite part of the event was watching the student-athletes interact with the kids.

“I don’t think [the student-athletes] know how much their enthusiasm and attention means to these little kids,” said Mason.

Each sports team hosted their own station and acted as a coach to the students.

“Volunteering for the Sports 4 Kids Day was awesome. It was great to see many athletes come out and help and it was amazing to see all the kids smile,” said Red Flash Football player Wesley Nagaseu. “It was our way of giving back to the community and answering Gods wishes.”

The event which took place on Saturday March 29, took place from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m., which included free admission to the Red Flash Men’s Volleyball match against Princeton.