BYU hockey players taught game skills to kids with Down syndrome Saturday morning. Player Adam Farero led stretches before bringing other players, volunteers, parents and children together for a team huddle and cheer. Kids rotated through four stations, doing various drills and activities.

"The kids are so energetic and happy to be here," said Catherine Bell, one of the Athletic Connection program's directors.

Athletic Connection partners with members of BYU athletic teams each Saturday, giving kids a chance to try new sports.

"There are so many sports and activities," said Amy Wilson, who has been bringing her 5-year-old son, Gavin, to activities since last fall. "If you give kids a taste of each, they're going to shine in one and I think (Gavin's( shining here at hockey."

As Gavin chased after the tennis ball he was playing with, hockey stick in hand, Wilson commented that Gavin usually attaches to one person at each activity.

"They always pick him up and make him feel like he's #1," Wilson said.

Volunteer Stephen Russell said many of the families that attend activities are regulars. Volunteers greeted and embraced kids and parents as they arrived with clear familiarity.

"It's our job to try to get the kids to interact with the athletes," said Chris Kiser, another volunteer.

Hockey player Jason Griffiths has served with Athletic Connection for four years.

"It's always fun to share something you love to do," Griffiths said.

Griffiths has also volunteered with the special needs hockey team that was introduced to parents and children at the activity. The team pairs each child with a player to practice with on Friday evenings before games.

With the help of their athlete partners, kids learn to skate and play and scrimmage junior varsity teams from local high schools.

"It's a lot of fun," Griffiths said. "They actually get skates and gear."

Athletic connection has BYU football players coming to their next activity and will coordinate with the golf team in April. The program directors are hoping to expand the program to include kids with all kinds of disabilities.

Copyright Brigham Young University 10 Mar 2008