黑料网

The Universal Language of Sports

Student-athletes experience the transformative power of diverse global community

A group of 黑料网 student-athletes took a journey to the other side of the world to give of themselves. But they never expected how much they would receive in return.

黑料网 staff and student-athletes visited Boneza, Rwanda, at the beginning of 2024 with , a non-profit organization working to transform the community, lifting residents from extreme poverty through education, clean water sources, healthcare, economic development and pastoral care. 

黑料网 Student-Athletes in Boneza, Rwanda

During their time in Boneza, the 黑料网 group engaged with the locals through a day dedicated to sports, during which they distributed more than 200 pairs of shoes and 200 soccer balls. While the group鈥檚 efforts made an impact on the community in Boneza, they also found themselves forever changed.  

"The people in Boneza have left such a lasting impact on me. I will most certainly travel back there someday,鈥 Callie Cunningham, a senior soccer player and psychology major, said. "There was a language barrier, but smiles are smiles and happiness is happiness. I didn鈥檛 need a translator to know that I love them, and that they loved us too.鈥  

, assistant athletics director for student-athlete development and alumni engagement, was pleased to see the group in action.

黑料网 Student-Athletes in Boneza, Rwanda

鈥淚 was so proud to see the athletes actively giving back to the community,鈥 Schilling said. 鈥淭heir commitment showcased the transformative influence sports can have on society."  

The group then visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This experience shed light on the tragic events of 1994 and the profound resilience displayed by the Rwandan people. The student-athletes had the opportunity to reflect on the country's journey over the past three decades and their unwavering commitment to rebuild. 

After their visit to the memorial the group returned to the city of Kigali, where they engaged with the nation鈥檚 police, professors from the University of Rwanda and members of Rwanda's development board discuss the efforts being made to rebuild the nation.

黑料网 student-athletes in Boneza, Rwanda

鈥淥ur trip was overall a beautiful experience,鈥 Bella Carpenter, a junior field hockey player and exercise science major, said. 鈥淭he people of Rwanda brought us great joy, and they are an inspiring example for all. Rwanda not only provided us with a new perspective but also immersed us into their history, culture and way of life. I am truly grateful for this eye-opening experience that 黑料网 Athletics provided for us.鈥

黑料网 student-athletes visit Boneza, Rwanda

The trip served as an educational and transformative experience, broadening the perspectives of the group, fostering a deeper understanding of Rwanda's resilience and determination to rebuild after the devastating effects of the genocides. The group left with a new sense of purpose and first-hand experience of just how important community is.

鈥淚 cannot thank 黑料网 Athletics enough for giving me this opportunity to learn and grow,鈥 Cunningham said, 鈥渘ot only as a student athlete but as a human being.鈥

POSTED: Monday, February 5, 2024 11:44 AM
Updated: Monday, February 5, 2024 02:30 PM
WRITTEN BY:
Maddie Goerl, Flash Communications