Nov. 30, 2007

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. -- Most college students' biggest concerns are getting passing grades on tests and papers or performing well in upcoming athletic events. However, Blazej Skoczylas, a starting defender on the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) Men's Soccer Team, finds time to succeed in both of those areas, as well as give to those less fortunate by running his own non-for-profit company.

Skoczylas' company is called BeneFeet and is located in Toronto, Canada. The main purpose of the business is to send used sporting goods and equipment to children in different regions of Africa. Skoczylas, along with his good friend Paul Kaliszewski, are the founders of BeneFeet and mainly run the company when they are home.

"We usually send stuff out during the summer months when both of us are home visiting," comments Skoczylas. "We send the equipment to other distribution companies in Africa that help deliver it all over the country, especially to those areas where it is needed most."

The word "feet" in the company's title was used because they recommend that people donate soccer cleats and shoes to their organization since soccer is the most popular sport in Africa.

"We mainly collect soccer cleats, jerseys, socks, shoes, and a variety of balls to ship to Africa," adds Skoczylas. "It is mostly our family and friends that help out, but we also get sponsors and other people to donate money in order for us to ship the equipment and clothing overseas."

Skoczylas feels very fortunate to have this opportunity to help children in another part of the world and believes highly in the importance of charity work.

"It is extremely important to me to be able to give kids an opportunity to enjoy life like I have and to help make their lives a little bit easier. I think that charity work is something you do for the personal joy it brings. Generosity is about giving and knowing you probably will not get anything back except personal satisfaction. That is the greatest reward for me."

Skoczylas also visits the Williamsburg Nursing Home during his semesters at Cumberlands and coaches kids in his hometown in summer soccer camps. He will be graduating from UC in May 2008 with a business degree, but will return for one more season with the Patriots Men's Soccer Team in the fall. Skoczylas plans to attend graduate school for his Masters in Business Administration upon graduating from Cumberlands.