HEADlines

Top College Lacrosse Teams To Face-Off Against Cancer At PENN’s University City Classic, 10/16

September 29th, 2016

Press Announcement
Top College Lacrosse Teams To Face-Off Against Cancer At PENN’s University City Classic, 10/16

PHILADELPHIA, PA – On Sunday, October 16th the eyes of the lacrosse world will descend on the campus of University of Pennsylvania for the 4th Annual University City Classic, a special collegiate lacrosse event honoring the life and legacy of Nicholas “HEAD” Colleluori. It was at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania that Colleluori fought his heroic battle against non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. His public fight from the sidelines at Hofstra University captivated the nation and from his hospital bed he created an organization focused on empowering student-athletes to improve lives affected by the disease. His vision was simple yet critical; helping real families when they needed it most, providing support so that families may live with a greater dignity and normalcy. Colleluori fought to improve the inpatient experience, the affordability and accessibility of care and tackled the general concerns facing the patient population. Understanding the ripple effect and impact that a cancer diagnosis had on a family, Colleluori championed efforts to support caregivers and capital projects to improve accommodations. He built an awareness platform driven by lime green shoelaces, the national awareness color for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He empowered his own family and in the last days of his life asked them to pick up the ball where he left off. It’s a promise that the Colleluori family continues to fulfill through the essential programs and services offered by the HEADstrong Foundation, www.HEADstrong.org.

The University City Classic is part of HEADstrong’s 9th Annual Fall Event Series and will be the 4th year that PENN has hosted the event. This year, 14 men’s and women’s teams will be competing in fall lacrosse action. The DI and DIII men’s games will take place at picturesque Penn Park, overlooking the Philadelphia skyline while the women’s games will be held in historic Franklin Field.

The Division I men’s division will feature 6 teams including : Drexel University, Lehigh University, Quinnipiac University, Saint Joseph’s University, Syracuse University and University of Pennsylvania.

The Division I women’s division will feature 4 teams including: Georgetown University, University of Delaware, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Southern California.

The Division III men’s division will feature 4 teams including: Lycoming College, Moravian College, Stockton University, and Williamson College of the Trades.

In lieu of admission, a suggested donation of $5.00 per person will be asked at the gate. HEADstrong will also have a full offering of supporter-wear on hand with proceeds helping to advance the mission. Complimentary admission will be provided to heroes and families receiving care at the Abramson Cancer Center.

Student philanthropy is at the center of this special event with each of the participating teams hosting fundraisers on their respected campuses to assist the goal. Additionally, each player will take the field wearing HEADstrong’s iconic lime green shoelaces to promote awareness for the cause. HEADstrong will honor heroes and their families at the event presenting grants and gifts from the organization intended to improve their quality of life. HEADstrong President and Nick’s Mom Cheryl Colleluori will also present the prestigious Nicholas Colleluori Award to a member from each program whose contributions both on and off the field are transforming the landscape of their represented program.

“We are looking forward to a great day of college lacrosse and student philanthropy in support of those in the fight against cancer. The University City Classic is one of our most significant events, with the hospital where our Nick faced his toughest opponent as the backdrop. I remember our Nick looking out of his hospital room window, staring down at the campus of the University of Penn and wishing that he could go outside and just feel normal again. We are very proud to now have an event on campus that celebrates Nick’s life and gives those in the fight encouragement and something uplifting to be part of. Our organization is very involved with HUP and it’s really special to share our love for the game with those that we serve. It is truly an humbling to have such an incredible field of teams this year and we wish to extend our sincere appreciation to all of the participating teams for giving further purpose to the fall lacrosse season and helping us to get aHEAD of cancer.” says Cheryl Colleluori, HF President and Nick’s Mom

For more information on the HEADstrong Foundation, please visit www.HEADstrong.org or follow on social @HEADstrongFnd.