UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; July 5, 2012 -- The 10th Annual Penn State Football Uplifting Athletes "Lift For Life" will feature a new format, with the Nittany Lion offense taking on the defense to benefit the Kidney Cancer Association.
The popular event will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, July 13 during the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts in State College. The 10thAnnual Penn State Football Uplifting Athletes "Lift For Life" event will take place at the outdoor Penn State Lacrosse field next to the multi-sport facility.
Senior tackle Mike Farrell, President of Penn State's Uplifting Athletes chapter, said that more than 80 squad members are expected to participate and that everyone will be competing in seven events simultaneously. The offensive linemen will square off against the defensive linemen, the running backs and tight ends will meet the linebackers and the quarterbacks and wide receivers will clash with the defensive backs.
The competitions will include the tire flip, a staple of previous Lift For Life events, tug of war, an obstacle course and sled pull and push.
"I think it will make it more competitive; there's a lot of pride in that match-up (offense vs. defense)," Farrell said. "I also think it will make it more exciting for the fans to come and watch since we'll all be out there at the same time."
"Coach O'Brien and Coach Fitz (strength and conditioning coach Craig Fitzgerald) have really embraced the event," Farrell added. "There's a number of guys on the team that make Lift For Life a priority. That what makes this go... everyone pitching in."
Over its initial nine years, the Penn State Lift For Life has grown tremendously. Again last year, Nittany Lion football student-athletes tested their strength and endurance in the challenge that raised a record total for kidney cancer awareness and assistance - more than $100,000. Founded by Penn State football teammates, the Penn State Chapter of Uplifting Athletes has raised more than $600,000 for the Kidney Cancer Association since 2003.
Lift For Life is open to the public with a small donation suggested for all attendees to benefit the Kidney Cancer Association. Fans will have a chance to meet and get autographs from current and former members of the Penn State football team.
To help the Nittany Lion Football Student-Athletes reach their goal, fans can visit the team donation page at: http://liftforlife.upliftingathletes.org/lfl2/
Founded by Penn State Football teammates Scott Shirley, Dave Costlow and Damone Jones in 2003, Lift For Life has continued to build awareness and raise funds for the Kidney Cancer Association. The event is organized by Penn State Football Uplifting Athletes, whose members are on the Penn State football team, led this year by Farrell (Pittsburgh), president of the chapter. Junior guard Eric Shrive (Scranton) is vice president of Penn State's Uplifting Athletes chapter. Senior linebacker Mike Yancich (Washington) is secretary and junior center Ty Howle (Wake Forest, N.C.) is head of operations.
Uplifting Athletes has grown to 13 chapters, with Boston College, Colgate, Kent State, Maryland, North Carolina State, Northwestern, Ohio State, Princeton, St. Francis, Notre Dame, Illinois and Fordham joining the Penn State chapter.
For more information about Penn State Football Uplifting Athletes or the Penn State Football Lift for Life, or to make a tax-deductible contribution, please visit www.upliftingathletes.org or contact Deloris Brobeck at 814-865-1946 during business hours. Uplifting Athletes, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that operates as a national charter and serves as a uniting force to help change the perception of rare diseases.