Cougars participate in the Pattison's Academy Soccer Challenge

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The College of Charleston men's soccer team continued its community service initiative by volunteering at the Pattison's Academy Soccer Challenge.

The players and coaches each paired up with a child from the Academy and played a full game of power soccer, the first competitive sport designed and developed specifically for power wheelchairs.

"Most of those kids never get the opportunity to play any type of sport," said sophomore defender Robbie Benson. "Seeing the smiles on their faces while they played power soccer was priceless."

Pattison's Academy seeks to improve the quality of life for children with multiple disabilities by providing comprehensive education and rehabilitation programs.  Proceeds from this event benefited the Pattison's Academy for Comprehensive Education (PACE).

PACE opened as a charter school through the Charleston County School District in the fall of 2010.  PACE will be the only school in the area whose target population is children with severe and multiple disabilities.

"My experience yesterday was surreal," said senior Sean Flatley. "Just one smile from one of the kids and their disabilities seemed to not exist anymore. It was a special experience for my teammates and I."