Oct. 1, 2008

PHOTO GALLERY FROM SCRIMMAGE WITH SPECIAL OLYMPIANS

STRIKE OUT CANCER PHOTO GALLERY

The Siena softball team completed an active week of community service recently. The Saints scrimmaged the Capital District Special Olympic Softball team at Elm Avenue Park in Delmar and hosted a "Strike Out Cancer" event in conjunction with the College of Saint Rose.

"Community service is very important to Siena's mission as a college and our mission as a program," head coach Deanna Parks said. "Our student-athletes enjoy giving back any way possible, and embrace the important role volunteerism plays at both the College and in the athletic department."

The first event served as the final tune-up for the Capital District Special Olympians (The Express) before they departed for the Empire State Games in Rochester.

In the second event, the Saints hosted the Black Knights of Saint Rose at the Siena softball complex in three six inning games in an attempt to bring recognition to, and raise money for, the fight against breast cancer. Free hotdogs were provided to spectators, and the Saints sold pinups from the American Cancer Society in a fundraising effort in support on the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Albany on October 19. The program ended up raising over $500.

The Siena softball team recently prepared care packages for individuals undergoing treatment for breast cancer and separately helped load goods for the Regional Food Bank.

One of the main objectives of the Siena Athletic Department has always been to remain actively involved in the Capital Region community through its Saints in the Community program. Siena's student-athletes and coaches make numerous appearances in local classrooms and hospitals and volunteer hundreds of hours to help out in numerous organizations. Additionally, the athletic department has donated thousands of dollars in game tickets, sports camps scholarships and sporting apparel and memorabilia to local charities.