Now in its fifth year, the McMaster Athletes Care (MAC) program continues to make a difference in the greater Hamilton community. The program mobilizes the 800 student-athletes who compete on Marauder varsity teams to provide them with opportunities to give back and engage in meaningful volunteer experiences. The vision of the program is to utilize sport as a tool to make a positive influence in the lives of at-risk youth, while breaking down barriers that may exist to both organized sport and post-secondary education. 

And while none of the young men and women, who freely give of their time and energy as volunteers, expect any accolades, the start of the 2015 season has seen four Marauders recognized for their outstanding volunteerism.

In tribute to their efforts, Ethan Sanders of the men's rugby team, Rina Charalampis from women's rugby, men's soccer player Ross Genovese, and cross-country runner Maddy McDonald were all presented with the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Community Service Award for their respective sports. McDonald went on to become the recipient of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Community Service Award for cross-country.  

Not coincidentally, all four are very heavily involved in McMaster Athletes Care. It is unprecedented to have four athletes from one university garner this type of recognition, and speaks volumes about the work being done by the program.


     Ethan Sanders of the men's rugby team, said it was older teammates who informed him about the program when he got to McMaster. "It was something I knew I wanted to be involved with and I really enjoy working with kids so it was easy, too," said Sanders, who plans to apply to medical school next year. "There are many ups and downs in sport, so having an outlet like McMaster Athletes Care provides me with some consistency when things may not be going well."

Rugby player Rina Charalampis got to celebrate a national championship with her squad this year and has been involved with MAC since the beginning. Charalampis said being involved with MAC is like being part of a much bigger team, "As team players, everyone brings different strengths to competition. It's been phenomenal to work with athletes from other sports and watch them bring their drive or unique strength or skill to our work in the community."



While the adage of "virtue is its own reward" certainly rings true for the Marauders who make McMaster Athletes Care so special, McMaster's Community Engagement Coordinator Nicole Grosel believes the recent awards to the four varsity athletes provide some validation for the program.  "We have an amazing group of student-athletes who give back to the community because they believe they can make a positive impact in the lives of young people through sport. Their passion is not driven by the promise of awards or accolades," said Grosel, who provides support and guidance to the student executive for MAC. 

"The commitment they make to the program and the enthusiasm they have to give back is truly inspiring," added Grosel. "It is great to see others outside of our department recognizing that their efforts matter and are influential within the Hamilton community. I could not be more proud of their accomplishments."

       Men's soccer stalwart Ross Genovese said that it is no surprise to see so many Marauders getting some recognition, because of the on-  campus culture created by McMaster Athletes Care.  "It seems like every time you go to a CIS awards ceremony, there is a Marauder being  considered for the community service award," said Genovese, whose team has made nationals in two of his three seasons. "I feel like my  volunteer work has brought me closer to the McMaster and Hamilton community."

 Cross-country runner Maddy McDonald believed that, as varsity athletes, it is important to give something back because of the great support  Marauders receive from both the campus and greater Hamilton community.  "It's cliché, but kids are the future. It's special to act as role models to  inspire and show them that post-secondary education and playing a sport is achievable," said McDonald.  
 


Since assuming the Director of Athletics and Recreation position in 2014, Glen Grunwald has called McMaster Athletes Care one of the great programs offered by the department, and spoke with pride about the recent accolades bestowed on the Marauders for their community service efforts.

"Sport is very much about building community and reaching out to touch those that are the most vulnerable in our community," said Grunwald. "Having our varsity athletes reach out to children in the greater Hamilton area is not only a great experience for the kids, but a tremendous learning and leadership tool for our student-athletes."

The last word goes to McDonald, who described her community service awards as a huge honour and a great way to end her Marauder career. "McMaster Athletes Care is like a big family," said the Toronto native. "We all have the same goals, we reach out to each other and share experiences, and we are working together to make a positive difference."