People usually associate sports only with the entertainment they see on the television or at the stadium, and usually look past what the athletes, franchises and athletic departments do within their communities.
Alan K. Fox
Most professional franchises and athletes are part of Boys and Girls Clubs, United Way or other national charities, and there are a large number of professional athletes who have their own charities to help out specialized groups of people.
Here at Lane, the athletic department is reaching out to the city of Eugene and residents of Lane County with its fifth-annual “Jam the Gym” event on Saturday, Jan. 21.
Both basketball teams will be playing against Southern Region rival Clackamas Cougars.
There is no price for admission. All they are asking is that students and fans bring nonperishable food items, which they will be donating to Food for Lane County.
Last year they raised over 400 lbs. of food and this year we should strive to double that number.
Plus, Bi-Mart is donating 500 shirts to be given out to the first 500 students and fans that come to the game.
At halftime, there will be giveaways for students that show up and donate.
So you’ve got free stuff, no admission and a couple great basketball games. There is no reason not to come and participate in the fun.
I’d like to see us rally as a student body and not only support our school, but also support families in need in Lane County.
It’s a new year and a lot of families struggle after the holidays, so the donations we make will go to help those in need.
Sports Editor Alan K. Fox can be reached by phone at (541) 463-5109, on Twitter at @alankfox or by email at alankfox@lcctorch.com
