ANDERSON, S.C. - Join the Anderson University coaches and athletic staff this Saturday when the Trojans play host to South Atlantic Conference-opponent Wingate, as AU will be supporting autism awareness during the Second Annual Autism Speaks Awareness Weekend.
The Trojan coaches and staff will be wearing "Autism Speaks" lapel pins in recognition of the day and families that have been affected by autism are encouraged to attend the doubleheader.
Coaches Powering Forward for Autism benefitting Autism Speaks is in its second season and is intended to drive awareness and funds for the one in 68 children on the autism spectrum and was created after NCAA Coaches Pat Skerry and Tom Herrion embarked on a mission in 2014 to raise awareness of autism. The program provides coaches, their teams, schools and fans with opportunities to raise awareness, fundraise and advocate for the needs of people affected by autism.
Coaches Powering Forward for Autism is a unique opportunity for the NCAA basketball community and fans to rally around their favorite team while fundraising for a good cause. This season, nearly 200 coaches, broadcasters and officials will be participating.
Anyone can participate in Coaches Powering Forward for Autism by joining head men's basketball coach Jason Taylor and head women's basketball coach Jimmy Garrity by clicking HERE.
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders - autism spectrum disorders - caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors.
Currently one in every 68 children and one in 42 boys is diagnosed on the spectrum. Individuals with autism often have repetitive behaviors and debilitating medical issues. For millions of people worldwide, autism is a household word - a word surrounded by a lifetime of unanswered questions, challenges and personal costs to the families and individuals affected.
Since 2005, Autism Speaks has been working to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. As the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, Autism Speaks is dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, and treatments for autism. They strive to raise public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society: and work to bring hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder.
To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.
