Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/18/20 – From Press Release
With the cancellation of the Nicholas Colleluori Classic (NCC) lacrosse events this fall due to COVID-19 and restrictions surrounding NCAA athletics, the HEADstrong Foundation pivoted to rally the collegiate community.
The tournaments are typically a large fundraising initiative supported by the players and event attendees. This year’s inability to host birthed a new conditioning challenge that could be tackled anywhere in the country, completely isolated or with teammates.
The Rise Up Challenge focused on individual participants joining the campaign, and highlighting their commitment within their personal communities via social media and conversation.
Participants then took to stadiums, gymnasiums, dormitories, train stations and city centers to climb 1,660 steps, bringing to light the number of families that lose a loved one to cancer each day in America. High school and college athletes took up the charge, and raised necessary funds to help offset the loss of the NCCs, and forward the mission of improving lives affected by cancer.
Dozens of teams, primarily lacrosse and field hockey, joined in on the campaign, helping to raise $23,454 during the fundraiser that wrapped up at the end of September. Lafayette Men’s Lacrosse and Hofstra Women’s lacrosse led the teams in funds raised and participants.
“This is a way for college teams to compete this fall for an amazing cause, at a time when it is needed the most,” said Pat Myers, Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach at Lafayette College.
