MLI’s CHAMPS Team Travels North

Members of the CHAMPS (Children Against Mines Programs) team, including K9 Ambassador Rico Cosby, traveled to Connecticut for their annual spring visit. 

The four-day adventure began with a visit to North Mianus School where 270 third, fourth, and fifth graders engaged in a presentation about Rico’s training and career as well as how he went from puppy to hero to ambassador.  Following the presentation members of the North Mianus CHAMPS club were able to stay and enjoy some special time with Rico.

The team visited Brunswick Lower School where Rico did six different sniffing demonstrations for 116 second and third graders.  The students in each of the six classes visited asked great questions about the humanitarian impact of landmines as well as the heroic work of dogs like Rico.

The Greenwich Rotary Club invited the MLI team to a luncheon to share information about the important work MLI does around the world including providing life-saving mine detection dogs, survivor assistance, and educational programs for children in the United States and war-torn countries.  Following the visit, Rico took a walk on Tod’s Point, officially known as Greenwich Point Park.  It was beautiful, and Rico loved the fresh air and the beach.

The trip concluded with a fun visit with our senior friends at Hill House Senior Residence.  Rico was so comfortable visiting the residents and loved receiving pets and love from them.  The seniors enjoyed an enthusiastic game of Trivia and were quite competitive when they realized little prizes were being awarded.