Spooktacular with Wisconsin Upside Down
October 03, 2018 | Badgers Give Back, Varsity Magazine
A Camp Randall trick-or-treating extravaganza to remember
MADISON, Wis. — Trick or treat? It's always a treat when members from Wisconsin Upside Down come visit their Badger family.
Wisconsin Upside Down is a local organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and Wisconsin Athletics threw the group a trick-or-treating experience for the books.
On Sunday, Oct. 1, more than sixty guests filled UW's Heritage Hall with costumes, candy, and charisma. Student-athletes, representing a variety of teams, paired with a guest from Wisconsin Upside Down and spent the morning partaking in Halloween activities. From Halloween slime to skeleton puzzles to bowling, guests enjoyed a morning of spooky fun and sweet treats.
Members from the men's and women's swimming and diving team, Ben Attenberger and Allison Courtney, enjoyed spending the day with dozens of new friends.
"My favorite part was seeing their faces light up and the smiles on their faces when they would complete an activity," said Courtney.
"It was great taking the day to volunteer," added Attenberger. "We did a lot of activities and it was a good time hanging out with our buddy."
Attenberger and Courtney spent the morning with their buddy, Cathy, who was dressed as a pirate. They went from station to station making spiders and glow jars, holiday mementos Cathy was able to bring home with her.
Jess Unicomb, a senior swimmer, commented on her favorite station of the day.
"I think the slime activity was one of the biggest hits," said Unicomb. "I got turned into a goo monster and that was a lot of fun."
The first ever SPOOKTACULAR event exceeded all expectations as staff, student-athletes and guests departed with warm hugs, hands full of candy and hearts filled with joy.
For more information on Badgers Give Back, visit www.uwbadgers.com/BadgersGiveBack.
