Decription: Victory Day (live link) was founded in 2010 by three-time cancer survivor Aaron Segedi, a teacher and Varsity Football Coach for Trenton High School in Michigan. Coach Segedi started Victory Day at his school on the belief that building character holds equal importance to teaching students the game-winning plays and lessons they will need to embody and embrace both on and off the football field. Or as Coach Segedi states: "Victory Day is an event set up for cognitively and physically impaired children to have an opportunity to play football or cheer and have their moment in the sun. Each child will be partnered up with a Trenton football player or Trenton cheerleader who will serve as their mentor for the day. They will wear a Victory Day jersey or hold cheer pom poms and line up on the 50 yard line with their mentor. The national anthem will then be played by the Trenton High School Marching Band. After, our PA announcer will introduce each child as they run through a tunnel formed by the band into the end zone. Parents will be seated in the end zone to take pictures as they run through the tunnel. There will be a mock coin toss before the game."
The Independence HS staff and student body hold these same principals dear and find it important to put these ideals to work for their community. On behalf of Mr. Segedi and the Independence Community that has embraced such a wonderful event, we'd love the opportunity to share how much of an positive impact such an event can have on an individual's character, a school's environment, and a special child's ability to connect with peers outside of their normal routine.
Here in Mint Hill, NC, the event is hosted by the Independence High School (IHS) Varsity Football Team, the IHS Cheer Team, and the IHS Marching Band. Victory Day’s core principles, past participation and positive community feedback has garnered local and national media attention, including interest from top high school & collegiate athletic programs from across the United States that want to replicate its success.
