It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, wait, it’s Darlington’s Soccer Academy coaches jumping out of a plane!
On Saturday, Oct. 13, Chad Liddle, Justin Arpan and Rex Bowman participated in
“Jumping for Justice,” a skydive jump to raise money for the Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia.
“One of our players’ parents actually volunteered us to do the jump, and I’m so glad we did it,” said Arpan, who had skydived once previously. “It was an unbelievable rush. I think we would all do it again. This allowed us the opportunity to do something adventurous for a good cause.”
Soccer Academy parent Sam Berry, who initiated the coaches’ involvement in “Jumping for Justice,” said their willingness to participate really illustrates Darlington’s commitment to community involvement. “I have to say that they actually gave me the encouragement to do it myself,” she said. “After seeing them do it, my husband and I made the jump the next day.”
This is not the first time Darlington’s Soccer Academy has given back to the community. Last year, academy players and the coaches donated their time to building and fundraising for a Habitat for Humanity House, sponsored by the Class of 2007. “We believe it is important for our players to get involved with the community,” said Arpan. “In the years to come, I think you will see even more of this. We’d like to come up with something different each year or two that allows our players and staff members to give back to charitable organizations in the Rome area.”
The Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia aims to facilitate healing for victims of sexual assault and their families through on-going crisis intervention services; to promote community awareness of the center’s services; to educate students and the community about the nature of sexual assault; and, to foster strong partnerships with all agencies involved in dealing with sexual assault.
Funds raised by “Jumping for Justice” will be used to serve the survivors, their families and the community in many ways such as a 24-hour crisis hotline, one-on-one crisis intervention, 24-hour hospital accompaniment, criminal justice advocacy, support groups, educational programs, court accompaniment and on-site medical exams at the Sexual Assault Center. Through their participation in this fundraiser, Darlington’s Soccer Academy coaches hope to raise $3,000 for the Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia. They will accept pledges through early January.
Click here to make a donation.
