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Women's Basketball to Honor U.S. Armed Forces Against Syracuse, Jan. 23
Jan. 13, 2010
Louisville, Ky. - The University of Louisville women's basketball team will honor those who have served and continue to serve in our Nation's Armed Services by wearing uniforms that have incorporated the Army's ACU Digital Camouflage Pattern on Jan. 23rd when they host Syracuse in Freedom Hall at 2:00 p.m. The University of Louisville has partnered with the U.S. Army as well as the Wounded Warrior Project, and the Army National Guard to help the Louisville community show how much they appreciate those who have served in our Armed Forces. "We are very excited about our partnership with the U.S. Armed Forces," said head coach Jeff Walz. "We are honored to wear the uniforms that recognize those who served and are currently serving in our nation's armed forces. We appreciate all they do for our country." Prior to the game representatives from the U.S. Army and ROTC will be on hand with various interactive displays and equipment for fans of all ages to enjoy. "It is an honor to support this event with the UofL Women's Basketball Team," said Major Sunny K. Mitchell. "It allows our Cadets, Cadre, and family members the opportunity to show our full support for the Lady Cards, as well as let people know what Army ROTC is all about." The color guard will be presented by the Kentucky National Guard, and the National Anthem will be performed by the 100th Army Band, "the Wildcats." The 100th Army Band is most well known for being one of the U.S. Army bands that marched through the streets of France during World War II. The Wildcats are headquartered just South of Louisville at Fort Knox. The Wounded Warrior Project will be part of the celebration as they played an integral role in coordinating the appearance of John Hileman. John Hileman is a University of Louisville graduate who was injured while serving our country. He and his wife will serve as honorary coaches for the game against Syracuse.
The Wounded Warrior Project is an organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. It serves to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. "While stationed overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan, our nation's military personnel participated in sports during their downtime and even after severe injury, wounded service members continue to use athletic endeavors as a tool in their rehabilitation," said Steve Nardizzi, Executive Director of Wounded Warrior Project. "Being recognized on the stage that is a collegiate sporting event, profoundly assists WWP in our mission and serves as a once in a lifetime experience for WWP alumni." The Athletic Department donated several hundred tickets to various veterans groups, the National Guard, and the U.S. Army. Louisville will offer discounted tickets to the same groups for the 2010 NCAA Tournament First and Second rounds held in Freedom Hall, March 20-22. |
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