Jacksonville Jaguars' DT Marcus Stroud took some time out during his first Pro Bowl trip to help make the lives of children in Hawaii a little brighter. Stroud participated in an NFL football clinic for Special Olympics Hawaii which has become an annual event during the Pro Bowl.
Stroud was among nine NFL players who helped cheer kids on and hand out awards following the clinic. Players spent over two hours working with the spirited group on passing and kicking drills. Each of the participants received a medal, a t-shirt and many player autographs.
"It was a fun experience. I had a good time and I enjoyed helping the kids. It was something I wanted to do it so I made the time and I had a lot of fun doing it," said Stroud.
The mission of the Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all adults and children with mental retardation, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
"There were kids out there and did a great job, and I was very proud of their effort," added Stroud. "The kids were enthusiastic, everybody had a good time and the whole day was a huge success."
