Eagles Rally at Relay for Life Event

STATESBORO, Ga. - Bulloch County was one of 45 counties in the state of Georgia to hold its annual Relay for Life event Friday night, April 29th. More than 200 of Georgia Southern University's student-athletes took part in the Relay for Life event at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds.  The Eagles supported the mission of remembering those lost to cancer and supporting those facing cancer with the hopes that one day a cure can be found.

"Our team, along with the rest of the athletic department, does a lot of community service activities and this event is the highlight for us this year," said Swimming and Diving Head Coach Nathan Kellogg, whose team has been in charge of the event for the Georgia Southern Athletic Department. "It's really nice for us to be able to give back, especially with the fight against cancer because we all know somebody who has been affected by it in some way, shape or form. It's a great cause for us to support."

The Eagle student-athletes, wearing their uniforms or themed Georgia Southern T-shirts, cheered and applauded those who walked in the "Survivors Lap" and fell into step with community members and their teammates at the conclusion of the first lap to walk in support. The track at the Fairgrounds was lined on both sides with luminaries, dedicated to those individuals who lost a battle to cancer or honor those who have won the battle.

Representatives from all sports programs not competing or traveling to competition comprised the Eagle team. Caroline Bevillard, a senior swimmer who is President of the Study Advisory Board, was enthused with her fellow student-athletes efforts and participation for Relay for Life.

"We have worked on this all year-attending meetings, doing fundraising and community service," said Bevillard. "We ended up raising around $1500, the most we have done in the time that I've been here. All of the athletes either know people or have family and friends that have been touched by cancer. It's good to see everyone out here."  

"This community has really supported us," stated Bevillard. "It's nice to give back and show that we support this cause and all the efforts that have gone into raising all the money for cancer research tonight."

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Category: Athletics

Published on Friday, 29 April 2011 22:13