N.C. State hosts Victory Day in support of those with Down syndrome

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- N.C. State's football program hosted Victory Day on Friday evening.

It's a partnership with Gigi's Playhouse, a Down syndrome achievement center in downtown Cary, that is 99% volunteer run

Victory Day gives cognitively and physically impaired young people the chance to be a football star for the night.

They were given the opportunity to try on uniforms and meet with the players and coaches.

Tara Stoll the site manager at Gigi's Playhouse said she was honored to be at the event with the team.

"It's a place, it's a time for our participants to join the football team and be part of State's community," she said."I feel like it's a way for NC State to give back to the community. They do such a wonderful job of it."

Friday's event was moved indoors because of the weather but that didn't put a damper on the festivities.

"They get to hang out with the cheerleaders, the dance team, just a great time," Stoll said.

NC State coach Dave Doeren said the event is one of his favorite days of the year.

"It's a chance to bring a bunch of special people in--some kids who are often told what they can't do," he said. "I think perspective is a big thing and sometimes when you have everything--when you're as blessed as division one athletes are, you forget how hard it is."