Each year there are over 360,000 student-athletes who are given the opportunity to compete in the NCAA athletic programs. Student-athletes, like us, are given a chance to achieve personal and athletic success through our participation. Having these experiences changes our lives and gives us the confidence to succeed.

Special Olympics provides the same opportunity for athletes with intellectual disabilities; embodying and encouraging them through the spirit of athletics. In an effort to increase awareness and raise funds for these extraordinary individuals, the Student Athlete Advisory Councils from Towson University and the University of Delaware will host the Second Annual Pigskin Pass. This joint community service effort will be held on Friday and Saturday, October 16th & 17th, 2009.

Thanks to the assistance of the Delaware and Maryland law enforcement, the Pigskin Pass will start at Delaware Stadium at 12:00p.m. on Friday, October 16th , and conclude at Towson University’s Johnny Unitas Stadium in Maryland prior to the kick-off of the football game on Saturday, October 17th. To build awareness for Special Olympics, student-athletes from both institutions will run in this two-day, 58-mile relay run while carrying a commemorative game ball for the match-up between Towson and Delaware. Following Delaware’s leg of the run on Friday, there will be a brief hand off ceremony at Festival Park in Aberdeen as Delaware’s Mascot , YouDee hands off the commemorative football to Towson’s mascot, “Doc”. Runners and cheerleaders from both schools will participate in this ceremony symbolic of the friendly rivalry between the two schools and the coming together of adversaries in support of Special Olympics athletes and programs. The Towson athletes will embark on their half of the journey on Saturday morning. When the ball arrives at the stadium prior to the 3:30pm Kick-off, both Towson and Delaware student-athletes and Special Olympics athletes will celebrate the combined community service initiative at a pre-game tail gate. The winner of the football game that evening will be presented with the Pigskin Pass Trophy donated by the Special Olympics organizations in both states.

We would like you to join us in helping to support Special Olympics Programs by making a contribution that will help off-set the cost to the participants in the 16 different Special Olympics sports as well as provide experiences that will positively change their lives. Contributions, of any size, will make a difference, and can easily be made online at www.pigskinpass.com or by mail.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of making a contribution toward this worthy cause. As student-athletes we have a unique opportunity to accomplish goals both in the classroom and on the playing field. Your support will encourage Special Olympic athletes to reach their goals and achieve success through these inspiring programs.

 

P.A.W.S. (Proud Athletes Who Serve) Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Towson University

Student-Athlete Advisory Council University of Delaware

 

P.S. Please consider making a contribution of $58 or more to receive a commemorative t-shirt in appreciation of your support (Please indicate your t-shirt size on the donation form).

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