Legacy Global Sports Names HEADstrong Philanthropy Partner For National Lacrosse Classic

(Frederica, Delaware) – In an effort to strengthen their commitment to the development of the “holistic” student-athlete while serving the greater good, Legacy Global Sports is proud to announce a community partnership with the HEADstrong Foundation.  HEADstrong has been chosen to serve as the company’s philanthropy through selected lacrosse events beginning with the National Lacrosse Classic being held on July 15-18th at the DE Turf Sports Complex in Frederica, Delaware.

With great emphasis on serving the community at large, Legacy Global Sports identified HEADstrong for their relentless commitment to serving families across the country overcome by cancer.  With more than 16,000 families served to date, more than $18 million in direct assistance and programming, 3,000 nights of complimentary lodging annually, relieving families of more than $2.5 million in expenses, HEADstrong’s impact aligns with the community vision of LGS.  And given that HEADstrong was founded by Nicholas “HEAD” Colleluori, a lacrosse player who was terminally diagnosed with cancer shortly after entering his sophomore year at Hofstra University, LGS strongly believes that the mission and message driving the organization truly resonates with their event participants.

“We’re extremely excited to form this new partnership between the HEADstrong Foundation and the National Lacrosse Classic. At LEGACY Global Sports, we believe in the power of athletics to build stronger communities, and the HEADstrong foundation has made an immeasurable impact on the lacrosse community through their support of cancer patients and their families over the past 12 years. By carrying out Nick Colleluori’s vision, the HEADstrong Foundation has become deeply ingrained in the lacrosse community, and this partnership allows them share Nick’s inspirational message with the next wave of lacrosse athletes and community leaders.” remarked Kat Shaefer Legacy Global Sports Brand Relations Manager.

Next week more than 2,000 of the nations top high school lacrosse players will descend upon Frederica, Delaware to take part in the National Lacrosse Classic.  Players were selected to represent their state and showcase their skills in front of more than 200 NCAA coaches.  In addition to playing, the participating teams representing Carolina, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Long Island, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey and Virginia will receive hands on training from the most prestigious coaches in the game alongside of hearing inspirational stories from HEADstrong ambassadors and members of the Colleluori family who lead the organization. 

“Nearly 5,000 teens aged 15-19 are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States and its important for athletes in this demographic to not only understand how this disease can affect their peers but more importantly grasp the fundamental aspects of how they can use their platform to support those overcome by the disease in their communities. Service to others is a key element of being a collegiate student-athlete and we are humbled to serve as the example.  Our Nick recognized athletics as a vehicle to drive awareness and change for those trying to navigate the storm of cancer and National Lacrosse Classic is a key opportunity for us to educate, empower, inspire and motivate tomorrow’s collegiate student athletes to be the difference.”  said Pat Colleluori, HEADstrong Chief Development Officer & Nick’s Brother

At the event players will also be learning how they can pledge their statistics on the field into a fundraiser to help the cause. Additionally, HEADstrong will be conducting a gift card and donation drive and each player is being encouraged to give a gift card (Either Visa, Uber, Target or CVS), which will be integrated into comfort kits and delivered to inpatients undergoing cancer treatments.

“One of the last things our Nicholas said to our family before he passed was, “Our lacrosse family will see HEADstrong into fruition, I want you all to take the reins, my lacrosse brothers will carry the torch and amazing things will happen for others because of what we’ve been through.” It is with great pride that we announce our community partnership with Legacy Global Sports. We consider it to be one of the highest honors to be integrated into their event portfolio as a philanthropic partner. We are both privileged and grateful for the opportunity to share inspire athletes across the country to join the efforts. Together, we improve lives affected by cancer!” said Cheryl Colleluori President of HEADstrong and Nick’s mom.

For more information on the HEADstrong Foundation please visit www.HEADstrong.org and to learn more about the National Lacrosse Classic and Legacy Global Sports please visit www.nlcnation.com.