FAIRFAX, Va. — Northern Virginia's Team is getting an assist from the local community this season.
Through the new Athletics Ambassadors program, a joint initiative between Fairfax County and George Mason Athletics, older adults in the Fairfax community are getting out and getting active by volunteering their time and enhancing the game-day experience for fans at Patriots sporting events.
Michael Berger, 77, moved to Fairfax County from New York last November. Living within walking distance of George Mason, he has volunteered at Patriots volleyball and soccer games throughout the fall as a way to get involved in his new community.
"I got involved because I've been around sports my whole life, and I was looking for something to do that interested me," said Berger. "I've had a wonderful time. I get to watch the games, and everyone has been very nice and accommodating to me. It's awesome."
For volunteers Suzanna and Albert Elgamil, whose daughter graduated from George Mason, the program is a way to reconnect with Mason Nation, a community that has long made an impact on their family.
"I just love to see the young people having a good time," said Suzanna. "We're here to greet people and keep people happy and energized. It's something very worthwhile to do, and we're happy to do it."
Whether they're building connections in a new community or finding a fresh way to show their Patriot pride, volunteers like Michael, Suzanna, and Albert help welcome fans to George Mason Athletics events. Their responsibilities include serving as event greeters and ushers, scanning tickets, assisting with concessions, and supporting fan engagement activities.
Together, Fairfax County and GMU Athletics seek to create a vibrant partnership to foster health, social engagement, and community belonging for older adults in the area.
"We want people to live as independently as possible," said Trina Mahan Webb, Director of Adult and Aging Services for Fairfax County. "We also wanted to encourage social connectivity, and we wanted to encourage that active lifestyle for older adults. So, having the opportunity to build a volunteer program [with George Mason Athletics] is really a win-win."
The opportunity to cross generational boundaries and foster connections between community members of all ages is another part of what makes the program so beneficial for both volunteers and fans alike.
"The intergenerational component to the Athletics Ambassadors program is so important because with Mason Athletics, you're engaging not only with young athletes, but their families as well," said Nadia Hoonan, a Partnership Coordinator at Fairfax County. "The type of people that attend George Mason events are people from all ages and all backgrounds. So, the intergenerational volunteering component is a really helpful thing, and it's a part of why volunteering is so good for your health overall, especially socially."
Initiatives like the Athletics Ambassadors program symbolize why George Mason is proud to call itself Northern Virginia's Team, an important community connection the Patriots are excited to keep fostering.
"Being Northern Virginia's Team means creating opportunities for our community to belong, connect and contribute," said George Mason Assistant Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Marvin Lewis. "The Athletics Ambassadors program brings that commitment to life. Together with Fairfax County, we're connecting generations, strengthening our community, and creating a welcoming game-day experience for everyone."
The Athletics Ambassadors program is in its pilot phase this fall, and the early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
"For older adults, well-being equals meaningful contributions to the community and connection to the community," said Webb. "We've gotten good feedback from volunteers who are involved. They do it to maintain an active lifestyle, and they love getting out, staying engaged, and staying connected. And they love sports a lot, too."
"I would really love to thank George Mason for agreeing to collaborate on this program because it's new — we're not doing this with any other university — and George Mason has really been extremely supportive. I know our volunteers are highly engaged because of the support that we're receiving from Mason."
As the Patriots' 2026-27 athletics calendar rolls on and winter sports approach, the ambassadors are ready to keep making George Mason events a warm, welcoming environment for the community while having plenty of fun themselves.
"I just like being around the students and the community," said Michael. "I'm enthusiastic about what I do here at George Mason."