UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – “Everyone is Awesome” Day, a celebration of all individuals, is set for the Penn State men’s basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 8, against Minnesota in the Bryce Jordan Center. More than 70 organizations supporting individuals with special needs will be involved with activities pregame, throughout the contest and at halftime. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. and gates open at 3 p.m.
The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a copy of the book “Lamar’s Climb – A Journey to Happy Valley.” The book, which teaches children Pennsylvania geography, illustrates Stevens traveling across the commonwealth from his home and high school in Philadelphia to State College.
The 16-page book was colored by six individuals connected to Penn State Athletics: Samantha Urgo, daughter of Nittany Lion basketball associate head coach Keith Urgo; Gabe Billy, son of team physician Dr. Greg Billy; Patrick Northrup-Moore, a basketball team manager for 12 years; Haley Smith, daughter of assistant head football coach/cornerbacks coach Terry Smith; Emily Thom, sibling of current marketing intern Abby Thom; and Brooke Fisher, community celebrity and national anthem singer at men’s basketball games.
In addition to the book giveaway and a postgame autograph session by Stevens, the first 500 children ages 12 and under will receive a free basketball jersey T-shirt.
Members of the Penn State men’s basketball team support the Centre Region Down Syndrome Society and its Buddy Walk each October. The Nittany Lions as well as student-athletes from other sports programs participate with Special Olympics Pennsylvania as part of the organization’s annual summer event on campus.
For more information about single-game tickets or the mobile flex plan for men's basketball, visit the online ticket information page or call 1-800-NITTANY weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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