DE PERE, Wis. — A few Green Bay Packers players gave back to the community on Tuesday afternoon.
Nearly 180 special needs students from Syble Hopp School in De Pere were greeted by some budding Packers stars. The Packers that showed up were running back Emanuel Wilson, safety Evan Williams, cornerback Jaire Alexander and tight end Ben Sims.
For some of the Packers players that attended this event, it was one of first times representing the team in the community. Packers tight end Ben Sims helped last year. He said helping those with special needs hits close to home.
“I have family members, I have an uncle with down syndrome, and then I have a stepsister with autism,” said Sims. “So, this is something I grew up with. I was familiar with in elementary school. I volunteered in middle school, and it's just something I hold close to my heart. So, being able to give back to such an amazing community, this this is really just a cool opportunity”
While working one of the drills, Sims had a special moment with one of the students.
“There was a little incident with a little girl came up to give me a hug and instead of throwing me the ball,” said Sims. “It was a really sweet, heartfelt moment. That's why we do this thing, giving back to community, getting to do community outreach programs here at Syble Hopp, I can’t be more thankful to be here and really enjoying myself.”
That girl was three-year-old Adama Diallo. Her aide, Julie Peterson said seeing her enjoy herself with the Packers warms her heart.
“Oh my gosh, I love it,” said Peterson. “This is my sixth year here; my sixth year I'm doing this. And the fact that they choose to come to our school to have a special moment with all these kids and watching the joy on the kids’ faces and the Packers faces, it's amazing.”
The Packers players helped the students go through drills, but most importantly the goal was to have fun. That energy brought smiles to everyone.
“These kids love sports,” said Alexander. “I mean, really, like, they really out here running drills and running around and jumping. I'm thankful. I'm grateful just to be able to be a part of it.”
“This is really, really special,” said Sims. “I hold it close to my heart. This is just a really cool deal. Happy to be here. Enjoy being out here second year. I hope to be out here for year three.”
