Brigham Young University's water polo team hosted its biannual charity game during BYU's Care Week.
The club hosts a charity game each semester as part of BYU's Care Week. The club raises money for a rotation of local nonprofits and care facilities, including United Way.
"We had a great turnout—one of the biggest we've had in a really long time," K.J. Calder, captain of the men’s water polo team, said. "That just came from members of the club reaching out, posting on social media. And I think we raised a lot of money today for a good cause."
Proceeds from this game were donated to the Southern Provo Community Rehabilitation Clinic, a nonprofit that provides physical therapy to underprivileged members of the local community.
"They've done treatment for, like, 6,000 people, about over $1 million worth of treatments," Emory South, captain of BYU’s women’s water polo team, said.
The clinic offers volunteer opportunities for students studying in the medical field. It provides services such as post-surgical, orthopedic and pediatric physical therapy.
The players say that being a part of the community is at the heart of the game. They see fundraising for charity as a natural way to give back, they said.
"(For) a lot of us, this has been part of our lives for a long time, and so it's a special thing to be able to continue playing in college without formal support from the university," Christian Betteridge, Vice President of the water polo club, said. "We're able to come together and have this student-led program."
The team hopes their efforts will help ensure ongoing access to local rehabilitation services.
Club members also invited newcomers to join their team.
"If you've ever wanted to try water polo, or if you've ever done water polo, you should do it,” South said.