Dec. 21, 2005

by Scott McLean, Simon Fraser Sports Information - BURNABY, B.C. - Student-athletes at Simon Fraser University have a longstanding tradition of giving back to the community. This season alone, the women's cross country team received the Buffalo Funds Five Star Champions of Character award from the NAIA for their community involvement and both the men's and women's basketball teams have organized food and clothing drives to aid local area charities for the holidays.
 
The SFU varsity men's soccer team also has a tradition of lending a helping hand, as the team has made annual visits to the Circle of Friends program, which brings grieving children together to help express their emotions through art, talking and sharing. They also speared an initiative to raise HIV awareness in Africa by donating soccer balls to an awareness campaign.
 
Recently the men's soccer team went the extra mile again, this time making a trip to the Bill Copeland arena and participating in the Canadian Blood Services blood donation clinic. Team members Lucas Barrett, Michael Beck, Luca Bellisomo, Scott McEachern, Leigh Sembaluk and Gio Valente all made the trip alongside head coach Dave Elligott to donate blood.
 
"Giving blood is a great way to help out, it's quick and easy, and the blood you give can save lives," said Clan defender Bellisomo upon returning from the arena. "You never know when you could be on the other side of the needle, and you would hope that there was enough blood available for you when you needed it. There were about seven team members out this time, and we're planning to turn this into an annual or semi-annual event."
 
Bellisomo's coach, Dave Elligott, reiterated those thoughts and hopes to see the team expand upon this experience.
 
"Donating blood is a very easy way to make a meaningful contribution to society, it costs nothing and takes very little time," said Elligott after the experience. "My hope is that these players who have donated blood with us today will do so again in the future and will continue to do so once they have finished their time with our program."
 
On the pitch the Clan completed another successful season, as the team finished 14-4-1 and qualified for the NAIA National Championships. Senior forward Andrew Corazza (Coquitlam, B.C.) was named the Region I Player of the Year and to the Second Team All-American team, while Thomas Lindley and Leigh Sembaluk were named to the All Region Team.