Dare to Play

Sigma Nu alumni co-founded and supported the Dare to Play series of football and cheerleading camps for individuals with Down Syndrome. In conjunction with Global Down Syndrome Foundation who have been one the largest single donors to CU over the last decade, the chapter hosted camps with the Denver Broncos, the Broncos Cheerleaders, many of their players including fan favorite Ed McCaffrey and his son, Heisman Trophy runner up and current NFL All-Star Christian.

Each Fall, the CU football player and a brother in Sigma Nu would be paired with an individual with Downs for several practices at Folsom Field with girls with Down practicing their dance moves with the Buffalo Cheerleaders. For years, these practiced culminated with our friends with Downs taking to the field for a major conference game, the women cheered on the sideline for the first half and along with their Sigma Nu coaches, the men played a scrimmage during Halftime. Through the camps, individuals with Downs were able to experience the game of football and be stars for a day, make new friends, and feel what it was like to be cheered on by 40,000 Buffs fans.

Sigma Nu Boulder has supported the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Dare to Play Football and Cheerleading Camps since 2007 in conjunction with Denver Bronco great Ed McCaffrey and Valor Christian High School. Through the camps, individuals with Down syndrome experience the game of football coached by Sigma Nu brothers, Bronco players, Bronco Cheerleaders, and starting in 2016 the CU football team.

With great support from CU Athletics including football and cheerleading, Sigma Nu coached a football scrimmage featured during halftime at the Buff’s home opener. The Dare to Cheer Campers cheered for much of the first half and during halftime with the CU Cheer squad and with support from Sigma Nu brothers on the sideline.

– The halftime was such a success that we received the following letter from one of the camper’s mother.

Dear Sigma Nu,

My son is one of the kids that did the Dare to Play Football this fall. First, I want to thank all of you, and especially the two wonderful young men who were with him specifically at the game, for participating in this event. It means so much to the kids with Down syndrome, and also to their parents.

Thank you for your help, and THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for participating in Dare to Play Football!!!

Sincerely,

Kyle’s Mom