Photo Gallery: Lacrosse Program lends a hand!

no images were found

On Saturday, April 8, the Owego Boys Lacrosse Program could be found hanging clothes, breaking down boxes, washing windows and sweeping yards. In lieu of practice, the entire lacrosse program, including Modified, JV and Varsity team members, collaborated with the Tioga County Rural Ministry (TCRM) and the Open Door Mission for their annual team Community Give Back Day.  

Varsity Coach Andy Race states that teams participate in volunteer work as a way to give back to the community.  

Race stated, “We think it’s a great experience for the kids and the community gets something out of it as well which is great. I have always thought that volunteering was important for student athletes to be involved in. Many of these community members are our grandparents, aunts, uncles and neighbors that come out and support us. It’s important that we show our appreciation.”

Players were treated to lunch and baked goods at various sites throughout the Town of Owego while at work for TCRM sites. 

Sister Mary O’Brien spoke highly of her experience, stating, “Working with the OFA boys’ lacrosse teams was simply a match made in heaven for us. Seniors in 51 residences across Owego and Apalachin were awaiting service ranging from window washing, vacuuming and polishing to raking leaves, picking up sticks and branches and carting them away.” 

Sister O’Brien added, “There was no way we could accomplish all this work without their enthusiastic assistance. The teens entered into all of these endeavors with energy, vitality and a real spirit of graciousness. The large number of volunteers enabled us to accomplish much in a short period of time. We are so grateful to the lacrosse coaches for their leadership and initiative with this project. Their efforts lightened the hearts and spirits of many.”

Donna Jantz from the Open Door Mission had this to say about the lacrosse players volunteering alongside her, “They were wonderful! I had a hard time keeping them busy and they did everything I asked. We cleaned, sorted baby clothes, washed walls and hung clothes. They were a pleasure to have.”

As a part of the current OFA Boys Lacrosse Fundraiser, the players pledged to volunteer in lieu of sponsorships given by community members.  If you would like to contribute a donation to the team visit www.youcaring.com and search Owego Free Academy Boys Lacrosse.