Victory Day provides 50 special needs children unique game day experience

3rd annual event takes place Saturday at Trenton High School

TRENTON, Mich. – Victory Day will provide 50 cognitively and physically impaired children the opportunity to play football or cheer and have their "moment in the sun" on the football field.

Hosted by the Trenton High School, each child will be partnered up with a Trenton High School football player or cheerleader who will serve as their mentor for the day.

Recommended Videos



Organizers said participants will wear a Victory Day jersey donated by Nike or hold cheer pom-poms and participate in a number of simulated game-day activities.

Football and cheer teams from other downriver schools will assist with the simulation. Organizers said Lloyd Carr, former head coach of University of Michigan Football, will also deliver an inspirational message.

Former University of Michigan football player, Jamie Morris, will also be present to greet each participant.

After the game, each child will be presented with a medal to commemorate their victory.

Aaron Segedi, Trenton teacher, varsity football defensive coordinator and two-time cancer survivor, created Victory Day in 2010 to give back to his community.

Segedi, the recipient of a liver transplant was inspired by his donor/sister's selflessness and the rallying of the downriver community to support him to beat the odds.

In its fourth year, organizers said Victory Day has received national media coverage and its first corporate sponsorship from Nike. Segedi has presented the concept nationally and the program has been adopted by schools in Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey and Maryland.

Over 80 football players, 25 cheerleaders and 110 marching band members from Trenton High School are expected to partake in Saturday's event.

Organizers said high school students from eight neighboring downriver districts will also attend, including Allen Park, Gibraltar, Melvindale, Riverview, Southgate, Woodhaven, Taylor and Flat Rock.

The event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday at the Trenton High School football field, located at 2601 Charlton Road in Trenton.

For more info and to view past Victory Day photos, click here.

More Community headlines