Indianapolis Colts Football

Colts welome 11 Riley Hospital patients and families to Tuesday’s practice

Not even the threat of rain could keep Braden Tamosaitis from smiling on Tuesday afternoon.

Braden was having the time of his life with VIP access at Colts training camp and was about to break down the team huddle after practice.

Eight-year old Braden was one of 11 Riley Hospital patients and families to receive VIP treatment on Tuesday.

“It’s a really special experience, especially for my son. He’s the sports fan of the family, especially a Colts fan,” Kevin Tamosaitis, Braden’s father said

“He’s just enthralled by anything Colts so for him to be able to come out and meet Coach Pagano and be able to do the things that he’s going to be able to do is special for all of us.”

The afternoon started with families arriving to Colts training camp around 2 p.m. and touring Colts City.

After that it was time to head out to practice where the children and families sat in a special tent reserved for them and enjoyed food and drinks before taking the field after the final horn sounded.

Colts players and head coach Chuck Pagano then welcomed the children into their team huddle.

“There are no greater warriors than these warriors right here,” Pagano said with the kids circled around him.

“No matter what the circumstances are, battling what they are battling, never take a day for granted. It’s so good to have you guys here. We’ve got the upmost respect for you guys and we are so glad you could join us.”

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY OF THE 11 KIDS IN THE COLTS HUDDLE

Next up was a breakdown of the team huddle before players and Pagano hung around for individual pictures with each kid.

“It’s an honor to have those kids from Riley coming out here,” Pagano said. “They’re an inspiration to us, just to see them fight and how strong and come out here with smiles on their faces and the way they attack the bully that they’re battling.”