Close to 3,000 people came out to witness last year's inaugural event, a 196.800-193.900 victory over Michigan State. The goal of the meet is to educate and raise awareness on autism, one of the fastest-growing developmental disabilities in the United States that affects 1 in 68 children.

 

Less than two weeks before the meet, in an effort to increase their own awareness about the condition, the women's gymnastics team will welcome several autistic gymnasts to practice on Martin Luther King Day (Jan. 19) at the Donald R. Shepherd Gymnastics Training Center. At the meet, several autism-based organizations like Jack's Place for Autism and the Gymnastics Doctor Autism Foundation will have tables set up on the Crisler Center concourse to provide information and answer questions. Then, prior to each rotation, messages will run on the videoboards offering helpful information to parents, such as autism facts and statistics and detection signs and symptoms.

 

The meet will also feature performances from young gymnasts who have autism. Before the meet, representatives from Oakland Gymnastics will work through an obstacle course, while local gymnast Abby Hahn of Midland Gymnastics will perform a floor routine for the second year in a row. In addition, 11-year-old Makenna Walker, representing Els For Autism -- a national foundation founded by professional golfer Ernie Els -- will also perform.

GIVEAWAYS & SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a blue glow necklace. Special Autism Awareness t-shirts will be tossed into the stands prior to the first and fourth rotations. Activities are planned on the concourse prior to the meet, including face painting, poster making and a kids zone.

 

LET'S GO DO

The Autism Awareness Meet is one of the many initiatives that student-athletes are participating in through the recently launched Let's Go Do community service program. Built in partnership with our student-athletes, Let's Go Do is focused on providing all 31 of our teams a diverse range of meaningful volunteer opportunities in the community. To learn more about this program, please visit http://www.mgoblue.com/community/

 

TICKETS

To purchase tickets, go to www.mgoblue.com/tickets and use the promo code WG15NEB. The package includes a general admission ticket, hot dog and drink for only $7.

Release via Michigan