Press Release courtesy of FIU Athletics
Prior to the two-day dual meet with Illinois, Friday and Saturday, the FIU Swimming and Diving program joined forces with the Illini swimmers and divers and spent time reading to children at Carlos Finlay Elementary Friday morning for some join community service time.
“Once the dual meet with Illinois was planned, (Illinois) Coach (Sue) Novitsky reached out to me and told me the team was going to come into town on Thursday,” said FIU Head Coach Randy Horner. “She asked me way back in the spring if we could do a joint community service event that morning and I loved the idea. I reached out to (Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Development) Liz (Augustin) and after some paperwork for the school system, everything fell into place.”
Once the numbers were set with the athletes and coaches in attendance, the school pulled out joint groups of Illini and Panthers to head to classrooms for some reading time with the elementary school children. The feedback was all positive.
“It appeared that the ladies had such a good time, that they have already asked when they can go back,” noted Augustin. “We hope that this positive feedback will spread to our other teams.”
“It is very rare for two teams to pair up for a community service event, especially on the same day they are going to compete against one another,” said Horner. “The schedule worked out. They loved it and it energized them to do some more volunteering.”
FIU and Illinois start their two-day meet Friday afternoon at the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Center. Friday results will be posted at FIUSports.com. Saturday’s session begins at 11 a.m.