Archmere Seniors Participate in Blue/Gold All Star Football Program

In addition, Archmere's senior ambassadors included Conner Bartholomew, Jamil Comeger, Samantha Ghaul, Ryan Hodlofski, Maggie Udovich and Jianna Tsaganos. Ambassador selections are based upon character, leadership, sensitivity, and compassion for others. Ambassadors help spread DFRC’s message of diversity and acceptance throughout their schools and communities, along with hosting fundraisers for DFRC.

The Blue-Gold High School participants play a vital role in the success of the DFRC Blue-Gold program and in the DFRC mission to enrich the lives of Delawareans with intellectual disabilities. Many of the students take part in a Hand-in-Hand program where they are matched with children and young adults, the Buddies, to share their Blue-Gold experience leading up to Game Day. Each month leading up to Game Day, there are statewide organized events - a dance party, a bowling outing, a picnic - and the Participants and Buddies often get together between events to see a movie, go to a school event, or just talk and hang out.

 

“Being part of the buddy program was something truly special to me,” Darren DiRenzo said. “It opened up more perspective on how to cherish life and how to live every moment to the fullest. Obviously, playing in the Blue-Gold game was amazing, but playing for your buddy and hearing him cheer you on during the game is something that touched my heart. I know deep down that my buddy, Matthew, would do anything to put that helmet on and play the game just once.”

Over the years, the Blue-Gold game has raised more than $6 million.

For pictures and full game coverage, click here.

For the article highlighting Darren DiRenzo's involvement in the Blue/Gold experience, click here.