Last weekend’s Eagle Nation Day 2017 drew hundreds of families. Packed with healthy outdoor activities for all ages, the fifth annual event introduced university and community members to UMW athletics and options for their own more active lifestyles.
First-time partners Rappahannock Area YMCA, Home Team Grill and Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events, along with other local organizations, provided children’s events and activities and donated raffle prizes.
“Seeing the number of community partners grow over the last five years has been remarkable” said Development and Promotions Specialist Philip Pierce. “All of these businesses compete on a daily basis in similar markets but work together on this exciting day to give back to the families and children in our community.”
The Fredericksburg Field House supplied giant inflatables, bubble balls and Lil’ Kickers instructors. Paragon Gym brought tumbling equipment for budding Olympians.
Faculty and staff came out to support Historic Preservation Professor Andrea Smith and her students’ stations, “Learning with Legos” and “K’NEX Engineering,” which provided an interactive play space for learning about robotics. And UMW student-athletes talked and played with the kids, one of Pierce’s favorite parts of the day.
“There is nothing better than watching those relationships form in a matter of minutes,” Pierce said, “and knowing that the impact could last a lifetime.”