BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WAND) - For over half a century, high school football players from across Illinois have come together to play for a bigger cause. Shriners Hospitals for Children have played an integral part in helping kids from all walks of life to be able to keep having fun.

The annual Shrine Game will kick-off Saturday morning but before then, players are given an up close understanding of what it's like to face disabilities in their everyday lives. The "Hospital Experience" pits Team Red versus Team Blue as they tackle tasks that put them in uncomfortable situations.

"I think it shows that we can be the same as other people," said 13-year-old Shriner patient Owyn Mendenhall. "It's really fun to watch them do the challenges because they realize how hard it is and how hard it can be."

Events include throwing a football with their non-dominant hand, putting on their uniform with only one arm, and uncapping a water bottle while wearing oven mitts.

The events simulate the difficulties Shriner patients face every day. Children are treated for specialized pediatric conditions such as Scoliosis, Cerebral Palsy, irregular limb length, and more. Recent Saint Teresa High School graduate, Sam Sweeley, says he has a greater appreciation for the gifts he has.

"Count your blessings," the offensive lineman says. "It's just a great gift that we can play this game and, have the life we live, and even if you're suffering or have some sort of disability, don't let that ever bog you down."

It's rare to see a former Shriner patient take the field but this year is a special occasion. Jayden McDonald broke his leg and was told he was unlikely to ever play football again. However thanks to the care he received at Shriners, the defensive lineman from Prosser Career Academy is competing once again. In the 51st Shrine Game, it'll be for those like him and others who never got a second chance.

"This means so much," Jayden said. "I know so many people who had family and stuff that were in Shriners. So me being here to play for these kids, it's like is is like a dream come true. It's making me happy."

With the friendly competition in the books, the teams are prepared to take the field Saturday morning at Illinois Wesleyan University. The game kicks off at 11am but can also be viewed online at ilshrinegame.com. 

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