Supported by Northwestern Medicine, Northwestern Athletics will spotlight a 'Community Group of the Game' during each week of a home or away basketball game.
During this game's spotlight, the athletic department recognizes Team Impact, a national nonprofit that connects children facing serious and chronic illnesses with collegiate athletic teams. The goal is for children to gain improvements in their optimism, confidence and sense of belonging by the end of the two-year commitment.
The athletic department was first introduced to Team Impact in 2014, and since that time five programs have "drafted" a child to their teams. There are currently three Northwestern athletic teams involved with the organization including women's lacrosse, men's golf, and women's and men's swimming and diving. Once a child becomes an official (non-playing) member of a collegiate athletic team, they become fully immersed into the program and are provided opportunities to attend practices, cheer on the 'Cats at competitions, access team-only activities and participate in pre-game rituals. Given the unique circumstances of this year, the three teams currently involved with Team Impact have found creative ways to engage with their adoptee via zoom through holiday events, virtual goal-setting sessions and scavenger hunts.
During this game's spotlight, the athletic department recognizes Team Impact, a national nonprofit that connects children facing serious and chronic illnesses with collegiate athletic teams. The goal is for children to gain improvements in their optimism, confidence and sense of belonging by the end of the two-year commitment.
The athletic department was first introduced to Team Impact in 2014, and since that time five programs have "drafted" a child to their teams. There are currently three Northwestern athletic teams involved with the organization including women's lacrosse, men's golf, and women's and men's swimming and diving. Once a child becomes an official (non-playing) member of a collegiate athletic team, they become fully immersed into the program and are provided opportunities to attend practices, cheer on the 'Cats at competitions, access team-only activities and participate in pre-game rituals. Given the unique circumstances of this year, the three teams currently involved with Team Impact have found creative ways to engage with their adoptee via zoom through holiday events, virtual goal-setting sessions and scavenger hunts.