Gophers host 2nd annual Allianz HopeDay

University athletes, coaches and administration hosted the 2nd annual Allianz HopeDay Festival on Sunday at the Bierman track.

Sesame Street and Star Wars characters also attended.

The event brought kids with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses from across the state to participate in several activities, including an obstacle course, dunk tank and a petting zoo.

More than 700 athletes from all 25 sports teams came and held clinics for the children.

Luke Silovich, men’s track senior and event coordinator, said the response from University athletics has been phenomenal.

“It’s a great chance for student-athletes to get out and see what they can do for their community,” Silovich said. “And it’s also a chance to have a great organization like HopeKids come to campus.”

HopeKids was founded in Phoenix and a Minnesota chapter was created in 2006. About 87 percent of children in the program have some form of cancer.

They also serve children with critical illnesses including kidney disease, heart disease, sickle-cell anemia and bleeding disorders .

Women’s hockey senior Dagney Willey participated last year and said it was a good experience. This year, she’s one of the coordinators.

“Just seeing the big smiles, and seeing them run around and being kids,” Willey said. “Because they are going through problems that we can’t even fathom.”

HopeKids is for children 18 and under, with the majority of children between the ages of five and 14 , according to the event’s press release. Most of the children have already participated in programs like the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Rose Christianson has worked for the American Cancer Society for 30 years and attended to support her nephew, Derek. She said she was taking Derek to his first Twins game after the event.

“We have to appreciate our health,” Christianson said. “But we do not appreciate what they have.”

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Over 1,400 people were expected to attend, student-athlete advisor Anissa Lightner said . Other activities included pony rides, rock climbing and face painting.

“It’s just such a great way to create a fun memory for the kids,” Lightner said. “It’s bigger and better this year.”