The 10th Annual Sticks for Soldiers Lacrosse Classic is set for November 28th, 2015 at Fairfield Ludlow High School in Connecticut. If you haven’t heard, Sticks for Soldiers is a non-profit organization that raises funds for severely wounded soldiers and to promote awareness of military service. This tournament is held annually on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
Sticks for Soldiers has raised $455,000 through the event over the past nine years. This year, organizers expect over 900 boys and 60 girls from Connecticut high school teams at the competition. The officials and volunteers give up their whole day to make this event happen.
This year their goal is to raise $150,000 for two severely injured soldiers. The point of the tournament is also to “give thanks, provide support and raise awareness.” This is a great opportunity for high school athletes to raise money for a great cause while playing a sport they love.
Since this is the 10th year, Sticks for Soldiers is going big and also putting on a concert. Sticks for Soldiers teamed up with Bands Together to put on a concert, Rock in the USA, on November 6th at 7:30pm. Some of the artists that will be performing are: Bobby Harden, Jeremy Goldsmith, Jay Rowe, and more! Tickets are $30 so it’s definitely worth the donation and the proceeds go to a good cause.
If you want to know more about Sticks for Soldiers, check out this video to learn more about their purpose. The two honorees for this have already been named and a third one may be named before the event. Get to know two of the honorees below.
Tickets are on sale NOW, so get on it!
Lt. Nicholas Vogt
Our first honoree is Lt. Nicholas Vogt of the Army, who served in Afghanistan. While he was there, he was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED). When he was injured he lost a great deal of blood and he may have had the biggest blood transfusion in Army history. Check out the video to learn more about his inspiring story.
Sgt. Eddie Ryan
The next honoree is a sniper, Sgt. Eddie Ryan. He was shot in the head twice and the bullets caused a severe traumatic brain injury. Two thirds of his brain was affected by the event.
Both of these men are great veterans to honor at this event, I’m humbled by their service.
If you are in the area and can make it, it will be a great way to spend sometime with the family. You get to watch, or play, in a tournament for a great cause and support a couple of America’s soldiers directly. So eat some Thanksgiving leftovers and head over to Fairfield Ludlow High School for a full day of lacrosse and fun for a great cause!
