Child Profiles
Cleo, born April 1996
Robby, born February 1999
Meeting a real NFL football player would only be a dream for some kids, but for two lucky boys, this dream became a reality recently. At the Arizona Cardinals practice facility in Tempe, Cleo and his younger brother, Robby had the unique opportunity to learn a few NFL techniques from Mark Walczak, Arizona Cardinals tight end Alumnus from 1988.
Meeting Walczak for the first time in the players' locker room, Cleo scanned the room, finding so much to be excited about. "Like all the football players' cleats and football helmets and stuff and jerseys," he said, grinning from ear to ear. Little brother Robbie, equally energized, added his two cents, "and helmets and gloves!"
Despite the 116 degree temperature, the boys sprinted onto the practice field. They were more than eager to play ball with an NFL pro. Cleo noted that this day was a huge treat for him, "'cause that's my dream; (to) be a football player." He added, "I was going to be the best player but I already found out everybody else is before me. So, I'm not the best player in the world." Well, not yet, at least. But with a quick lesson from a pro, anything is possible.
After a few minutes on the field, it was obvious that Cleo and Robbie are really good players. During this practice, they demonstrated that they have strong throwing arms and are not at all shy about lunging for an out of the way ball. Forming a triangle, the boys and Walczak tossed the ball short distances at first. Within minutes, the triangle grew to half the field's width. The football soared through the air, inevitably landing in the arms of a wide-eyed boy. And always, the catch was followed by a proud, toothy smile. All the while, the boys took turns getting advice from Walczak on throwing and catching.
Ten-year-old Cleo and his seven-year-old brother, Robby, have a lot in common. In fact, ask them any question and you will likely get a very similar answer from the two boys. Favorite food? "Pizza - Pepperoni," answers Cleo. And Robby? "Pizza... Pepperoni." Favorite Desert? "Cake. Chocolate," Cleo answers immediately, smiling. Robby is fast to answer this question as well. "Cake," he giggles. And his favorite flavor is no big surprise. "Chocolate."
Cleo is a handsome boy with caring eyes and a cheerful smile. He tends to be shy and reserved when he first meets people, but in no time, his bright and enthusiastic personality shines right through. Cleo is a captivating child whose personality is sincere, mild-mannered, polite and mature while also being charismatic, lively and spirited.
Like many boys his age, Cleo loves sports. His very favorites, he says, are, "football and basketball." Not only does he enjoy watching his favorite teams battle it out on the field or the diamond, he also loves getting friends together for games closer to home. When it comes to the positions he likes to play, Cleo has definite preferences. For football, prefers playing cornerback and in basketball, "I like to play Center."
A huge fan of ESPN, Cleo puts his heart into pulling for his two favorite teams. "I like the Suns and the Raiders," he shares. His hometown basketball team has one player he really likes - Steve Nash.
A soon-to-be fifth grader, Cleo seems to like school. His favorite subject is Math. "I like times tables," he shares.
For now, Cleo is enjoying the hot summer by spending as much time as he can in the swimming pool. He and his friends like to play games in the pool, but, "mostly (I) like, uh, go underwater... swim underwater. Hold my breath." Cleo notes that he can hold his breath for a really long time.
Cleo describes himself with a clear and determined tone. "I'm a caring person," he says. Others agree, saying that this boy is generous, genuine, respectful and dependable. He is a big brother who can be counted on.
Seven-year-old Robby has a very playful, energetic and outgoing personality. He has a gorgeous deep-set dimple that neighbors a bright and contagious smile.
Like his big brother, Robby is a big fan of sports and is very athletically inclined. "Football and basketball," are Robby's passion. He especially loves watching his Chicago Bulls and Arizona Cardinals play. "And, I like the Lakers in basketball teams and the Steelers!"
In his spare time, Robby likes to find fun things to do. Some of his favorite free-time activities include, going to the local park, watching TV and heading to the pool for a refreshing swim. In the pool, Robby says he likes to, "play (and) try to do a dive."
When he gets a chance, Robby loves to head to the movie theater to catch a good movie. For Robby, the scarier the movie, the better!
At home, Robby likes to listen and dance to rap music. He loves the beat-filled songs of his favorite musicians, Nelly and Usher. He explains that he likes these artists best because they are "good singers."
In the second grade, Robby says that he likes school. Not surprisingly, his favorite subject mirrors his brother's. He says that his math class is the most fun class of the day, especially when they're learning multiplication tables.
When he gets older, Robby says that he plans on getting a pet or two. "I'm going to get a rabbit and a turtle," he says, adding that he doesn't want a gigantic tortoise. "It'll be a regular little turtle." He hopes that his rabbit will be either white or black.
When Cleo and Robby get together, they enjoy hanging out and having fun. Robby says that they like to play X Box together, especially sports games like basketball and football.
Cleo and Robby are brothers who would love to find a family able to care for them both. A positive, upbeat and understanding family would be ideal for the boys. They should be able to handle the boys' emotional and behavioral special needs, while offering a welcoming and loving environment that includes structure and consistency.
For more information about Cleo & Robby or to learn about foster care and adoption opportunities, please call AASK at (602) 254-2275.