London, ON - The Mustangs Athlete Student Council (MASC) and Mustangs Care [Western Mustangs] student athletes recently collaborated with the Boys and Girls Club of London at the "Spark Symposium", which gave students from local school boards experiential learning opportunities in the Health and Wellness field. Mustangs student athletes' eagerness to be engaged with these types of important volunteer events, exemplifies the Mustangs community spirit, and helps to foster meaningful connections to the London community. 
 
The Spark Symposium gave student athletes an opportunity to participate in workshops for the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) event, sharing their experiences as student athletes at Western university and helping to demonstrate the life changing potential of community engagement and the importance of mentoring youth.
 
Through this series of seminars centered around health and wellness, the SHSM event aimed to motivate and mentor high school students. It was an opportunity for them to learn new skills and also to build confidence and foster connections with mentors who genuinely care.  
 
"Participating in community events like volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club at the SHSM event is incredibly meaningful to me," shared Max Von Muehldorfer, a defensive lineman for the Mustangs Men's Football Team and criminology student at King's. "Growing up, I benefited from similar programs and role models, and I know firsthand how impactful it can be. Being able to contribute and give back through these events feels like coming full circle." 
 
Von Muehldorfer was one of eight Mustangs student athletes who partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of London to help high school students mine their own real-life opportunities for potential. Their efforts demonstrated the Mustangs' commitment to nurturing the next generation.  
 
The SHSM events are one of a long list of volunteer opportunities that Mustangs student athletes look to participate in. Over the last year, MASC along with Mustangs Care and Mustangs Talk has taken a leading role in organizing activities that promote community, as well as supporting important initiatives. From coaching sport camps, running powerlifting meets, to supporting the Children's Hospital at Canada Life Place, London Food Bank, running food drives, and raising awareness and funds for important causes like Hockey Fights Cancer, Mental Health, Pride and Movember - Mustangs student-athletes are consistently giving back to the community behind the scenes, and in the process are showing how sports have an influence that extends well beyond the field/rink/court of sport. 
 
"Volunteering and being part of these community programs during my time at Western has taught me the value of connection and the importance of making a positive impact wherever I can," said Von Muehldorfer, who also serves as a Vice-President for the Boys & Girls Club under MASC. "These experiences have not only shaped me as an athlete but also as a person." 
 
The Boys and Girls Club of London has long played an integral role within the community, delivering activities and services that help young people develop their networks, confidence, and success. The Western Mustangs have partnered with them since 2021.
 
The Mustangs' achievements off the field demonstrate real leadership, even as student athletes have increasing demands on their time with their academic and athletic pursuits, they recognize and embrace the importance of volunteering and engaging with the community.
 
"We are grateful to the Boys and Girls Club of London for allowing us to partner with them, take part in their events and workshops, and for connecting us with youth in London." Said Bonnie Cooper, Athlete Services Coordinator with Western Sports & Recreation. "The programs they offer, and that we participate in, are meaningful and have an lasting impact on Mustangs student athletes and participants alike. This partnership has been beneficial for all involved, and the Western Mustangs look forward to it continuing for years to come."  
 
To learn more about the Boys and Girls Club of London and how you can support their programs, visit bgclondon.ca. For updates on Mustangs Care and MASC initiatives, visit Mustangs Care News. Together, they're proving that the Mustangs' impact is as strong in the community as it is in competition.