By Morgan Taylor – Editor-In-Chief

Advocate Editor-In-Chief Morgan Taylor sat down with Jonathan Law math teacher and girls soccer coach Mrs. Francisco about the upcoming benefit game to support the Special Olympics. 

Morgan Taylor: Why did you decide to host a benefit game?

Coach Francisco: I believe that as a coach, my job is to develop high school students into more than just good soccer players. I want to instill a sense of community and the desire to give back. I have hosted benefit games in my past years coaching where we have raised money for various organizations. The girls look forward to helping and giving back.

MT: How did you and the team decide what organization to donate to?

CF: I initially suggested that we host a benefit game and the girls were immediately excited. As a team, we brainstormed different organizations that were we value. Ultimately, it was Nicole Manley that suggested raising money for the Special Olympics as she and other players are involved in the peer assisted classes and Unified Sports here at Law.

MT: How will you be raising money?

CF: At the game, there will be concessions sold (snacks, baked goods, hot chocolate, etc.) as well as a limited number of Law soccer t-shirts. We will also graciously accept any donations that people would like to give and we will be holding a 50/50 raffle.

MT: Are you wearing anything special?

CF: We decided to purchase special jerseys for the event. They are red long sleeve shirts to represent the Special Olympics since red is their signature color. The shirts have the phrase “Choose to Include” on the front as that is frequently used for Unified Sports. The jerseys also have FAMILY on the back as we are one team, one family working together.

MT: Will you do this again in the future?

CF: Of course! We have a lot of love to give to our community. We can’t wait to see what next year holds. Hopefully the benefit games will get bigger and better as the years go on.