HELFER'S HEROES PHOTO GALLERY

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The first annual Helfer's Heroes event was a tremendous success, as over a dozen kids joined Head Coach Mike Helfer and the Valdosta State men's basketball team last Saturday for an exciting day of basketball and relationship building.



"It's so important for us to reach out to all of the kids in our community and do what we can to impact their lives in a positive way," said Helfer on Saturday. "In this case, many of those kids have battles that are so much bigger than a game or season or championship. I hope we were able to help each one of them, and their parents, to have a day to remember and reflect on when their battle seems a little overwhelming."

On the morning of February 24th, the Blazers welcomed boys and girls with special needs entering grades 3-12 to The Complex for an event that introduced unforgettable memories for both the participants and the student-athletes that make up the VSU Blazer basketball program.



At the event, kids were paired up with their favorite Blazer basketball players to shoot hoops, play games, and learn some new skills. The participants were also greeted by cheerleaders, serenaded by the Valdosta State pep band, and introduced with smoke and lights, just like the Blazers each gameday. The kids and their families enjoyed lunch with the Blazers on campus and continued on with the fun well into the afternoon.

"This was so much fun," added Helfer. "I love working with kids, and each one of these children were fantastic. They are eager to learn and laugh, and I felt like we built relationships today that will last for a long long time. I hope that we can make this an annual event. It would be great if we can reach even more kids next year."

For more, be sure and check out WTXL Sports Editor Alison Posey's coverage in the video below, or by clicking the banner at the top of the page.