GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Packers training camp brings in fans from all over the globe and for a number of different reasons.
The first day of training camp serves as the ceremonial start to the NFL season.
This week has been circled on the calendar of most long-distance Packer fans for a while, so they can plan their trips to Green Bay from all over the map.
Some of the fans gathered on Thursday reported traveling in from places like California, Oregon, Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and even Ireland.
Talking with those that made the trip, each one has their unique tie to the franchise.
“I moved to Green Bay, because of my love for the Packers… my father was a Packers fan… I married a cheesehead and converted,” some said.
Ultimately the day belongs to the kids, though.
In a time-honored tradition, the youngest fans line up with their bikes hoping that a player will ride it to practice.
Specifically, the players ride the bikes a short distance from Lambeau Field over to Ray Nitschke Field, where the team practices.
Children of all abilities are given the opportunity to participate, thanks to American Family Insurance’s DreamDrive initiative.
One of those children was 5-year-old Jemma Blechacz of Fox Point, who was born with spina bifida, which causes extremely limited use of her right leg.
Her parents say that Packers Training Camp is their daughter’s first time ever being able to ride a bicycle.
That is largely due to a specially-designed bike, built and donated by Variety, a children’s charity.
Phil, Jemma’s father, says watching her being able to ride a bike alongside a Packers player is truly awesome.
“So Gemma is the youngest of six kids in our family and she is not one to be held back. But just with her physical disabilities, she wasn’t able to ride a bike or pedal but now she can and she can keep up with all her siblings and it’s just awesome to know she can not feel limited and just have the experiences that every kid should have,” says Phil.
Thursday’s practice was the first of fifteen total that will be open to the public this year.
That includes two joint practices with the Houston Texans on August 5 and August 6.
