One big thing about being a college athlete is giving back to the community. The Runnin’ Utes did just that Saturday at the University Health Care Annual Kids’ Health and Safety Fair.
The Utes participated in the fair by signing autographs, shooting some hoops and participating in health-awareness activities.
“I think we have an obligation to give back to a community and a campus that has given a lot to us,” head coach Jim Boylen said. “We want to use our stature as a Division-I basketball program to help raise public awareness of events like the Kids’ Health and Safety Fair.”
The fair was free of charge and was held at the Neuropsychiatric Institute on campus. The main goal of the program was to educate children and parents about the importance of health and safety issues.
One of the basketball team’s goals in participating in the fair was to learn how to be selfless individuals, a key component in building a winning basketball program. The best way to learn something like that is by being involved in a good cause. Guards Lawrence Borha and Carlon Brown tried out wheelchair basketball and also helped children shoot on miniature baskets.
“Our players have a lot to be thankful for, and they need to learn that not everything is about them,” Boylen said.
When Boylen signed on as the Utes’ head coach, one of his key goals was to become more involved in community events. Boylen and his players believe that as prominent athletes in Utah, this basketball team can really help raise awareness about important issues.
“People recognize us and the faces they see on television,” Brown said. “If we can use that status to help support something that educates kids while also having fun with them, that’s really important.”