Bobcats Host Party For Special Needs Classes

The auditorium at Eastover Elementary was the place to be on Thursday, as Bobcats forward Sean May and mascot Rufus Lynx hosted a class party for 15 very lucky kids.

The kids, all members of two special needs classes at Eastover, were full of enthusiasm and ready to have fun as they gathered in the auditorium. Their energy continued to build as Rufus danced his way into the room. May made his entrance a few minutes later to the sounds of loud applause.

“They were very excited,” said Mr. Roary, a teaching assistant for one of the classes. “We had been talking about Sean and Rufus coming, but when they actually got here, they were really excited to see and meet them.”

After taking his place on the steps leading up to the stage, May took the time to talk to each of the kids, asking them their names and what they like to do. The fun continued as May and Rufus handed out Bobcats blue and orange cupcakes. They also presented each child with a goody bag containing a Bobcats T-shirt, water bottle and pen, as well as a Bobcats reading poster.

May and Rufus also took the time to pose for pictures and sign autographs.

The opportunity to a host a party for these kids is the type of experience that May relishes as a professional athlete.

“Anytime you get an opportunity to do anything with kids, especially in our profession, you love it,” he said. “I used to admire basketball players and athletes and being in this position now, I love to give back, hang out and just have a good time with kids.”

He especially enjoyed interacting with this special group of kids.

“They’re great,” he commented. “I used to tutor some special Ed kids and I’ve always had a thing for kids with special needs. They’re the most fun kids to be around. They have great personalities and great attitudes.”

This class party also helped raise funds for a good cause as it was auctioned off as a prize at the Easter Seals United Cerebral Palsy Fantasy Auction.

Sheila Winborne, whose daughter Ellis is in one of the classes at Eastover, purchased the prize and helped coordinate the party at her daughter’s school.

“It was such a treat for these kids,” she said. “Sean May was a great and was so good with the kids -- and Rufus, they really loved him. Everybody was so great to bring the cupcakes and the goody bags. They had a great time.”