Michigan Wolverines in Paris: Day 5
5/1/2018 5:06:00 PM | Football, Features
After a refreshing breakfast, the team received a briefing on the scavenger hunt being held in the morning. The object of the competition was for the players to find 20 different landmarks in Montmartre, take group photos along the way and reach the final destination that was the team's lunch spot for the day at 12:30 p.m.
The Wolverines were divided into 10 teams that consisted of no more than eight players per team. At nearly every location, the team found members of the U-M Club of Paris, who met and engaged with them.
The travel party arrived at Sacre-Coeur, the Roman Catholic Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris and starting point of the competition, and began fanning out across the area for the fun activity. The players roamed the area, collecting group selfies at every checkpoint, and had time to see the shops, boutiques and artistic havens in the 18th arrondissement of Paris.
The Wolverines were entertained during their lunch by three cancan dancers from Moulin Rouge. They performed for approximately 15 minutes and were assisted by coach Ben Herbert and linebacker Josh Ross, who wore skirts and performed with the dancers. In the front part of the restaurant, a local artist drew a portrait of head coach Jim Harbaugh and presented it as a gift.
After a great lunch at La Bonne Franquette, the players started the community-service portion of their trip with "Serve the City." Run by executive director Salomon Kabongo-Kooper, the project is a volunteer service group that has been working in the community since May 2016. Salomon, 26, graduated from Elgin College where he was a goalkeeper on the soccer team.
"I am a religious individual and feel that we are all called to be disciples," said Salomon. "I was called to work with the homeless, prostitutes, those needing legal aid and individuals experiencing many other predicaments in their lives.
"I hope that this is an experience and opportunity that all of these young men at Michigan will remember," added Salomon. "I believe that we all can make an impact and I believe that we are all meant for greatness. Community service is such a great tool. This is the first time that I've worked with a football team from the United States; I've heard great things about Coach Harbaugh and appreciate that he and the team have been willing to lend a hand supporting our community during their visit."
"I'm excited to be a helping hand for someone else," said safety Tyree Kinnel, speaking about the community service project. "It's very special to impact the lives of those in need, those who have far less than we do. It has been great to be here in Paris together as a team and learn about other players on the team who you don't get to spend a lot of time with other than on the football field and in the classroom. I'm rooming with Matt Mitchell and it has been great to spend time with him and learn more about his background. That is what makes this trip special, spending time with your teammates."
A group of Michigan players went to the northern part of the city to spend time interacting with refugees while another group spent time preparing food and packaging clothing with the homeless. The players at the refugee camp played soccer, ran races and taught the young people the game of American football.
"It was life changing (the visit to the refugee camp)," said junior fullback Peter Bush. "We take for granted so many things that others struggle for, that it's meaningful to give back. I was with Noah Furbush, Zach Gentry and Jack Dunaway and we spent time sitting and talking with the refugees. It was one of the most rewarding things that I've ever done."
The Wolverines capped off the evening with dinner at Le Procope, which is the oldest restaurant in Paris, founded in 1686. The restaurant has Voltaire's desk and was a place where Benjamin Franklin, John Paul Jones and Thomas Jefferson spent time during their lives.
Michigan will spend its last full day in Paris with a trip to the Eiffel Tower and the American Embassy.
Tweet of the Day
.@UMichFootball prepared and delivered food to the homeless through Serve the City - Paris.#BonjourBlue pic.twitter.com/AgDLwewn8D
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) May 1, 2018
