BOSTON - The Boston University Department of Athletics has committed to continue building on its partnership with Team IMPACT, a national organization based in Boston that connects children battling serious illnesses and disabilities, forming lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes.
 
The two-year commitment announced today will further establish the long-lasting partnership and will be centered around each organization's core values and mission: promoting empathy, resilience, camaraderie, and excellence while providing a student-athlete development experience focused on the whole person.
 
"It is with great pleasure that we formally announce an elevated partnership with Team IMPACT," said Boston University Director of Athletics Drew Marrochello. "The incredible impressions – on the children involved and on our student-athletes and staff – that have been the result of our previous matches are truly invaluable. We are honored to continue working with such a wonderful local organization that has enhanced the lives of so many across the country."
 
BU and Team IMPACT have made eight all-time matches, with the field hockey and men's basketball teams being the first in the fall of 2012. Both the men's and women's soccer teams have active connections while the Terrier women's basketball, women's ice hockey and men's lacrosse programs have also signed teammates through Team IMPACT in recent years.
 
As a part of the agreement, BU has committed to maintaining or increasing its current level of participation with Team IMPACT. Additionally, the social impact organization will provide exclusive access to the development opportunities for BU student-athletes in areas of diversity and inclusion, advocacy and professional development.
 
"We are honored to have Boston University join the growing list of official Team IMPACT partner schools across the Northeast and the nation," said Team IMPACT's Executive Director, Ryan Irwin.  "The entire leadership team and athletic department have been committed to our program for almost a decade, and their student-athletes have been tremendous representatives of what a Team IMPACT athlete stands for.  This partnership will further embed Team IMPACT into the fabric of the Terrier experience, and we're excited to use this moment as a catalyst to expand our meaningful work in the Boston area to enhance the lives of as many children as possible.  The Boston University community should feel immense pride knowing what meaningful support they are providing children facing serious illness and disabilities."
 
About Team IMPACT
Headquartered in Boston, MA, Team IMPACT is a national nonprofit that connects children facing serious illnesses or disabilities with college athletic teams, forming life-long bonds and life-changing outcomes. In just 10 years, Team IMPACT has matched more than 2,300 children at 700+ colleges and universities in 49 states, reaching 65,000+ student-athletes. To learn more about Team IMPACT, or if you know a child, age 6-16, who could benefit from becoming a member of the team, get in the game at www.teamimpact.org and @goteamimpact.