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.