Life Lessons Gained Helping at Special Olympics for RU Men's Soccer

Canton hosted the Special Olympics, which had a multitude of events, but the Eagles were at the soccer station. 

 

When asked about the experience, Christain Gonzalez said, "It was very wholesome for me to play with kids and engage with them in the sport we love. While we may be physically different, we share the same passion and this unites us regardless of disability."

Zakaria, an international student said, "For me, it was a wonderful experience. I really appreciate this kind of initiative. Sharing a moment with differently-abled people puts a smile on our faces because their happiness is contagious. Sport is an activity that unites everyone, and as I always say, you have to make the most of life. You don't realize every day how lucky you are to have such an exceptional life. I have a lot of admiration for these people, and I'm very grateful to those who mentor and support them."

Perhaps the Eagles' results haven't gone their way this season, but Frankie Ruiz and the rest of the team look to experiences with the community to remember that the sport is bigger than wins or losses. The true value of soccer comes in its ability to bring people together, whether that's internationals, locals, the wealthy, the underprivileged, the handicapped, or the healthy. When we're out on the pitch, everyone speaks one language.

Coach Frankie Ruiz summed it up perfectly when he said, "To me, there is nothing better than getting out there with the team and reminding them the joy there is in the game we love. It can be a long season, so it's important to get out there and reconnect to our roots, really, to remind ourselves why we started playing in the first place."

 

This Saturday, the Eagles will play Union in a game sure to entertain.