OU Gymnasts Volunteer at Cleveland Elementary

Sept. 30, 2011

NORMAN, Okla. – The University of Oklahoma men's gymnastics team continued its commitment to the Norman community Thursday by volunteering at Cleveland Elementary's Jog-a-Thon fundraiser.

Members of the OU squad helped encourage the students throughout the event by cheering from the sidelines and running laps alongside them. The Jog-a-Thon, Cleveland Elementary' s only fundraiser of the school year, helps earn money for the school's Parent Teacher Association and is used for equipment, teacher support, building needs, technology and many other key costs of education.

In addition to Thursday's Jog-a-Thon, many of the Sooner gymnasts volunteer their time throughout their week tutoring students at the school, a service that has blessed both the school and the gymnasts.

“The involvement of the OU men's gymnastics team is so very special to Cleveland Elementary,” said music teacher Regina Bell. “This is our seventh year of the partnership and each and every year the positive impact has blossomed. We can't put a price tag on the number of hours the team has contributed to our students through its volunteer work.”

The school has shown their gratitude of the gymnastics program through its support of the Sooners. Last Friday, the school hosted three of the five OU gymnasts on the United States' World Championship team for a special school assembly to acknowledge their accomplishments.

“Our community truly embraces the team and our support and knowledge of the sport of gymnastics grows each year,” said Bell. “This partnership is part of our identity in the community and we are very lucky to have the support from Coach Williams, his staff and amazing young men that make up the OU men's gymnastics team.”

The elementary school students aren't the only ones benefiting from Cleveland's partnership with the team. OU senior Patrick Piscitelli has been volunteering at Cleveland Elementary and is one of the many grateful gymnasts that spend time at the school.

“It is a great opportunity to get involved and give back to the community,” said Piscitelli. “It allows my team and myself to positively influence kids in academics and athletics. It is a rewarding feeling to know that we can help these children as they grow and develop.”

Fans can view a photo gallery of the Sooners time at Cleveland Elementary here.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

OU Gymnasts Volunteer at Cleveland Elementary

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