Emilio Duran has been named 2024 Buddy of the Year by Toledo TOP Soccer for his work with children with diverse abilities.
Emilio Duran Named Toledo TOPSoccer 2024 "Buddy of the Year"
1/31/2025 9:24:00 AM | Football
Rocket punter honored for volunteer work with children with diverse abilities
TOLEDO, Ohio - University of Toledo football player Emilio Duran has been named "2024 Buddy of the Year" by Toledo TOPSoccer for his volunteer work with children of diverse abilities. Duran will be honored at a ceremony in Columbus on Saturday.
Toledo TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a program for any individuals facing special cognitive, physical and/or emotional challenges, allowing them to experience the game of soccer along with other players in their peer group. Participants of TOPSoccer may include but are not limited to children/adults who are blind, amputees, confined to a wheelchair, emotionally/mentally challenged, children/adults with autism, as well as children/adults with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, or other conditions that impair mobility, strength, and/or comprehension. Through the assistance of buddies and coaches, the athletes are encouraged to give their best effort, work hard to be the best player he/she can be and join their fellow players to be a great teammate.Â
Duran, from Ottawa Hills, Ohio, recently completed his second season as the Rockets' punter. He averaged a career-best 41.3 yards per punt, with 42 of his 60 punts fair caught or downed inside the 20-yard line.
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Toledo TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a program for any individuals facing special cognitive, physical and/or emotional challenges, allowing them to experience the game of soccer along with other players in their peer group. Participants of TOPSoccer may include but are not limited to children/adults who are blind, amputees, confined to a wheelchair, emotionally/mentally challenged, children/adults with autism, as well as children/adults with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, or other conditions that impair mobility, strength, and/or comprehension. Through the assistance of buddies and coaches, the athletes are encouraged to give their best effort, work hard to be the best player he/she can be and join their fellow players to be a great teammate.Â
Duran, from Ottawa Hills, Ohio, recently completed his second season as the Rockets' punter. He averaged a career-best 41.3 yards per punt, with 42 of his 60 punts fair caught or downed inside the 20-yard line.
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Players Mentioned
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