DEMOREST, Ga. — As elementary students filed into Piedmont University’s gym Thursday morning, many were met with familiar faces waiting eagerly to greet them.
For Piedmont senior soccer player Nathan Jacome, that moment has defined his experience with the university’s annual PAL Games.
“My favorite moment is definitely just seeing his face when they come down the steps and we choose our PAL,” Jacome said. “And I see him and he recognizes me.”
Now in its ninth year, the Piedmont Athletic Lions (PAL) Games brought together Piedmont students and elementary school children with special needs from across the area for a day filled with sports, activities and one-on-one connection.
For Jacome, the event has been especially meaningful. Over the past several years, he has been paired with the same student, building a bond that continued to grow with each annual visit.
“So as a senior, every year, it’s special,” Jacome said. “I had the same kid all my years
here, so I grew a special bond with him.”
Even with a year between visits, Jacome said the connection never faded.
“It’s once a year, but every time when we come back, he recognizes me even after a whole year,” he said.
This year marked the final PAL Games for both Jacome and his student, now a fifth grader — a goodbye that proved emotional for both.
“This was my last year, and his last year,” Jacome said. “He actually got visibly upset when we had to say bye. So it’s very special to know I created that bond.”
A day built on connection
Organized by Piedmont University Vice President for Advancement and Development Ann Sutton, the PAL Games pair each child with a Piedmont “PAL” for a day of shared activities ranging from basketball and soccer to crafts and dancing.
Sutton said the event’s continued success comes down to the experience itself.
“I think what brings it back is the experience itself,” Sutton said. “Once you’re a part of it, you hear from the school system the impact it has on their students.”
She said school leaders often point to the PAL Games as a highlight of the year.
“Some of the administrators think it’s the best event of the year,” Sutton said.
Beyond the fun, Sutton said the goal is to create meaningful, one-on-one interactions that can have a lasting impact.
“I hope it is the impact that they have on another life,” she said. “Our students spend one-on-one time with a child who may not get that kind of attention in a setting like this, and they’re treated as the honored guests.”
That experience, she added, is what keeps students coming back.
“We keep doing it because of the momentum that’s built from the experience,” Sutton said. “Students say, ‘I can’t wait until next year’s event.’”
Impact felt across the community
Habersham County School Superintendent Patrick Franklin said the PAL Games highlight the strength of local partnerships while providing a meaningful experience for students.
“The PAL Games are a great example of the partnership that we have — our schools, Piedmont University, all types of community groups are there for these kids,” Franklin said.
He said the event gives students a chance to feel celebrated while also offering Piedmont students hands-on experience in fields like education and therapy.
“It’s really giving them a day to shine and have a great time,” Franklin said. “But also work with our Piedmont students that might be going into that field, whether it be special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language pathology — all those things that play into it.”
Piedmont University President Marshall Criser III said the event reflects what makes both the university and the surrounding community unique.
“The celebration of students of all ages at the PAL Games is a unique illustration of what makes Piedmont University and Habersham County so special,” Criser said.
He said the connections formed throughout the day extend far beyond the games themselves.
“The simple acts of a bright smile, a laugh, or reaching out to hold a small hand form a natural and meaningful connection between college and elementary student that goes beyond what can be taught on a school campus,” Criser said. “We are deeply honored to be a part of these special moments each year.”
A lasting impact
For Jacome, the PAL Games leave behind more than memories — they leave relationships that endure.
“It’s important for us because it helps us kind of grow a bond with somebody who might be a little more difficult to grow a bond with,” he said. “We’re able to loosen them up and connect with kids who may not have older people to connect with or classmates that relate with them.”
As he prepares to graduate, Jacome said those connections are what he will carry with him.
“Definitely my PAL, the one that I grew a bond with,” he said. “But also just having this opportunity with all the athletes and all the kids — having this opportunity to grow bonds everywhere.”
He paused, reflecting on his final PAL Games.
“I’ll definitely remember this for the rest of my life,” Jacome said.
