NCAA DIII Week: Piedmont Partners with Local Elementary School for PAL Games

By Piedmont Athletic Communications

DEMOREST, Ga. - For the first time since 2019, Piedmont University was proud to sponsor the PAL Games (Piedmont Athletic Lions Games), a special day of competition and camaraderie for students, staff and local elementary school students with special needs.

After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the games returned this year on Friday, March 24 inside Cave Arena, as 74 elementary school students were paired with over 110 Piedmont student athletes.

The event was student led, but organized by Ann Sutton, executive assistant for Administration & Finance/Special Projects Management. Sutton helped the event take shape as she began planning with students months before the special day. 

What impacts me the most each year is watching our students give so much attention and respect to their ‘pals’ throughout the event. The fist-bumps, high-fives, encouragement, and hugs will linger in our young guests’ minds long after the PAL Games are over. Knowing that makes every bit of time and effort worth it.
Ann Sutton

Each elementary school student was paired up with a Piedmont ‘pal’ for the event. The activities included lacrosse, basketball, soccer, corn hole and minion bowling.

Piedmont athletics played a major role in the event, as Head Women's Soccer Coach Timmy McCormack provided live PA while Head Strength and Conditioning Coach John Delf-Montgomery was heavily involved in leading the group activities. As Delf-Montgomery came to Piedmont in 2021, this marked his first experience with the PAL Games.

For me community service is the thing that separates good colleges from great colleges. We are all busy but find the time to come together to serve those who want to just be around our awesome students and staff. We are so fortunate here, and in life, the least we can do is serve our community.
John Delf-Montgomery, Head Strength and Conditioning Coordinator

This year, the most popular events were the group dances with Leo the Lion. 

The project continues a growing commitment from Piedmont students and athletes to both become and stay involved with the local community while making a difference in the lives of those around them. These students give back to the local schools and extend their love for sports and their educational studies.

This experience for me encompassed what we do so well here at Piedmont and that is coming together for an awesome cause. My favorite part of the day was seeing how close our students got with their PALs, We were with them for 3-4 hours but by the end, they felt like lifelong friends.
John Delf-Montgomery

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