Welcome to My Site

As many of you know, this summer, I will be studying abroad for my second time. In 2007, shortly after graduating high school, I went to The Republic of Panama' for four months, where I spent my first semester of college at Florida State University - Panama'. Fortunately, I have been given the opportunity to study abroad again, this time through Kennesaw State University (my current school). I am using this blog to update friends, family, and fellow supporters about my trip.

In this study abroad program, I will be spending June in Kampala, Uganda. There, I will work with a program called Kampala Kids League. KKL was formed in 1998 by Trevor Dudley and Leslie Magnay. KKL helps children ages four through fourteen, improving their lives through sport. Kennesaw State is sending three nursing students, two sport management students, and one professor on this extraordinary trip. Along with the nursing students, we will be using sport to educate these children on health and fitness.

In the past ten years, KKL has done amazing things, including the development of over 840 teams to compete in over 50 football (soccer), basketball, baseball, and cricket competitions. More than 15,800 students from more than 170 schools have been able to take part in KKL.

This hands-on opportunity will give me the chance to understand the issues and challenges of planning and delivering health/sport services in a developing country. I will earn a total of six credits in Uganda this summer. Three credits will be for a directed study in health, physical education, and sport management and the other three for a coaching practicum.

During this trip, I will also have the opportunity to see Kampala for its beauty. These opportunities include:

• Visiting cultural sites
• Enjoying a game drive at a game park
• Crossing the Equator
• Visiting the Nile River
• Attending an event at The National Theater
• Visiting artisan markets, local restaurants, shops, and villages

This trip is an amazing opportunity to expand my knowledge in the field of sport, especially internationally. While in Panama', I had the opportunity to attend professional games; however, in this study abroad, I will actually be interacting with the children myself, furthering their knowledge and my own in basketball, soccer, cricket, and baseball.

Along with this amazing opportunity comes a huge cost. This trip will cost me a little more than $4,000. Although I have been able to raise more than half the money myself through scholarships and my job as an assistant swim coach, there is still a lot of money necessary for this trip. If you are interested in helping me, I could greatly use any assistance from friends, family, and other supporters.

Any support given whether through prayers or financially is greatly appreciated.

Financial contributions may be mailed to:

Lauren Cannedy
3632 Autumn Ridge Parkway
Marietta, GA 30066