Pittsburgh Steelers
The weather might not have cooperated with the “snow day” at Sunrise School as a steady rain fell, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the students taking part in a morning of fun-filled activities with Steelers punter Daniel Sepulveda.
The special needs students, ranging in ages from 5-21, participated in an array of games and activities in the school’s gym, with Sepulveda filling the role of coach, cheerleader and friend.
“We don’t have any snow, but that’s not stopping us from having a lot of fun,” said Sepulveda. “I am really enjoying this and the opportunity to spend some time with these kids. They are here having a good time. Their love and passion for the Steelers is palpable. It’s fun to show up and feel the love from these kids.”
From the moment Sepulveda walked in the door, where there was a Steelers snowman and Steelers songs blaring from the loud speakers, the energy and love from the kids could be felt. From little ones who just wanted to hug him, to older kids who looked at him as their role model, there was nothing but warmth on this wet, winter day.
“You get the opportunity to do things like this, but it’s incredible to see the smile you can put on a young kids face,” said Sepulveda. “The fact that you can come out and spend a little one-on-one time with each one of them and see the joy they get from it, it’s pretty rewarding and exciting.”
Sepulveda lead a bean bag Olympic ring toss, encouraging every student and giving them high-fives whether their attempt sailed through the rings or fell at their toes.
“It’s so special. The kids are so excited,” said Sunrise principal Lucy McDonough. “We didn’t tell most of them so they were surprised and excited. We do Steelers rallies and have a Steelers day, so it was great to have Dan here. There are smiles on every face today.”
Sunrise School is part of the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and focuses on academic, vocational, social and emotional development of special needs students. Having Sepulveda visit was the perfect pick-me-up not just for the kids, but for the dedicated staff as well.
“It makes it so special,” said McDonough. “It’s a special place to begin with. When people come and make the kids happy and bring smiles, it makes all of us smile. It’s so uplifting. That is why we have snow day, to get through the winter doldrums.”
As the morning wound down, and the final group arrived with pictures of Sepulveda taped to their shirts, you could tell the time there didn’t just mean a lot to the kids, it meant a lot to him as well.
“We get so caught up in the seriousness of life. It’s real easy to do,” said Sepulveda. “When you come out here it’s easy to be reminded of the things that really matter.”
Article source: http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Sepulveda-brings-warmth-to-snow-day/05fefec1-d823-4492-a546-b38b77bb89ab
