Nov. 2, 2006

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TULSA, Okla. - Conference USA men's soccer players spent part of Thursday morning at The Little Light House (TLLH), a Christian development center serving young children with special needs from birth through age six in the Tulsa community, as part of C-USA's efforts to become the best Division I-A collegiate conference in athletics, academics and in the community. Two league coaches, along with 11 student-athletes participated in the event spending time in the various classrooms assisting with curriculum and interacting with the young children.

The Little Light House was founded in 1972 by two young mothers who had visually impaired children. The biblebased curriculum provided is specifically designed for children with special needs by TLLH staff and serves as the foundation for the classroom structure. School sessions are held Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Parents are provided with training opportunities to better equip them to meet the future needs of their children and all services are provided on a tuition-free basis.

TLLH services are carried out by a highly credentialed staff of professionals. It is accredited by the International Christian Accrediting Association and was named the 2003 "School of the Year." Many volunteers also assist at the facility and serve in many capacities, ranging from direct hands-on work with students, to office work and fundraising efforts.

Mindy Sakmar, TLLH volunteer coordinator and staff liaison for the day, said that Thursday's visit meant a lot to not only the kids, but to all the workers and volunteers.

"It meant so much to everyone to have these young men here today." Sakmar said. "The kids are drawn to these young men and the fact that you all wanted to come here and be a part of what we do meant a lot to everyone."

The highlight of the visit was when everyone gathered in the honors room to sing and dance together at the daily fellowship. The coaches and student-athletes put huge smiles on all the kid's faces and the event was a wonderful experience for all involved.

Kentucky junior midfielder Matt McAlpine expressed that it was a great experience to give back to the children.

"We get so much excitement from playing soccer, that it was great to give some excitement back to other people," McAlpine said. "It was very rewarding to help out such young children who need it."

For more information on the TLLH, visit www.thelittlelighthouse.org.

The 2006 Conference USA Men's Soccer Championship is being hosted by The University of Tulsa at the Hurricane Soccer and Track Stadium. Semifinal matches begin Friday, Nov. 3 at 5 p.m. CT.