The Husker Heroes Outreach Event is specially designed for individuals with disabilities and their families to hang out and play games with Husker student-athletes.  The event is sponsored by the NU Athletic Department and Organizations Networking for Everyone with Special Needs (including the Autism Family Network, the Arc of Lincoln, the Autism Society of Nebraska, Dreams Unlimited, the Early Development Network, Down Syndrome Association for Families, United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska, Nebraska Spina Bifida, Lincoln Public Schools, PTI Nebraska and Special Olympics Nebraska).  Special needs individuals and their guests, hailing from across the state, will mingle with several Husker student-athletes, including all athletes who are taking the mandatory Life Skills Course for first-year students.

Associate Athletic Director for Life Skills Keith Zimmer, Life Skills Coordinator Stacey Burling and their staff are responsible for the evening’s activities and organization, as well as the Life Skills class for all incoming student-athletes.  The semester-long class includes new Huskers from every sport with new students enrolled for fall 2013.

The special guests invited to participate on Sunday include youth and adults from the 11 participating sponsor groups that assist individuals with disabilities.  The activities will take place on the Hawks Championship Field and will include a variety of appropriate sport-related activities.

“Husker Heroes is a mutually beneficial event providing a memorable evening for all of our special guests, yet also sets the tone regarding the importance of service and leadership for our student-athletes,” Zimmer said. “Our newest Huskers have heard great things about Husker Heroes from their peers and are eager to serve and make a positive impact.”