U-Haul® was a title sponsor for the 2022 Guardian Games on April 1, providing young athletes with a zeal for life the chance to compete through Special Olympics Arizona in a series of friendly competitions at Glendale’s Westgate Entertainment District.
Sanderson Ford®, a longstanding U-Haul business partner, founded the Guardian Games and organizes the contests for special-needs athletes. The athletes tried their hand at a baseball home-run derby, shooting basketball, passing football, street hockey, hitting golf balls, guessing music titles, playing Family Feud® and even pushing a police vehicle.
A group of 11 U-Haul Team Members volunteered their time to assist the athletes as teammates.
Guardian Event Supporters
Jeff Lockridge, U-Haul Manager of Media & Public Relations, addressed the athletes, law enforcement officials and volunteers at the opening ceremonies.
Lockridge noted U-Haul Company’s appreciation for the police and additional groups that volunteered time and resources to the cause. He also thanked Sanderson Ford, the local supplier of so many U-Haul vehicles that make up the iconic orange-clad fleet of moving trucks and vans.
“I am proud to know that the company I work for has prioritized this partnership and would afford their employees the time to be in community with others and serve special groups,” said Alexia Bednarz, U-Haul Community Advocate for Corporate Sustainability. Bednarz also noted that she appreciated all the cheering and connecting with Special Olympians throughout the event.
Finally, the emotional significance was felt throughout the event and brought smiles to many faces. Whether it was hitting wiffle balls in a parking lot or throwing footballs into buckets, the competition and camaraderie was a victory for all in attendance.
