Youngstown, Ohio — Youngstown State's women's basketball program will host an Autism Awareness game in partnership with The Paula & Anthony Rich Center for Autism on Thursday, Feb. 5. Tipoff for the game against Milwaukee is set for 6:30 p.m. inside Zidian Family Arena at Beeghly Center.
YSU's student-athletes will wear special autism awareness jerseys featuring puzzle pieces inside the numbers and the athletic department's Script Penguins logo for the game. Those game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off, with proceeds benefitting the Rich Center.
"Our program is so excited to use our platform to spread awareness for the autistic community," said Youngstown State head women's basketball coach Melissa Jackson. "We have loved our partnership with The Rich Center for Autism and are honored to make this game an annual event."
"YSU Athletics has been an invaluable partner of The Rich Center for many years, and our connection continues to grow stronger," said Dr. Michael Latessa, Executive Director of The Rich Center for Autism. "Through student-athlete ambassadors like women's basketball student-athlete Bella Samz, awareness of our mission and services reaches far beyond our walls. Their engagement creates lasting memories for our students and helps shape a more inclusive future. We are deeply grateful to YSU Athletics for dedicating this game to the autism community and championing awareness and inclusion."
"We are proud to be part of YSU's growing commitment to community engagement, highlighted by its recent Carnegie Foundation designation," Latessa said. "Through our partnership with YSU Athletics, Logan's Landing Travel and Play, and the generosity of our Friends Board, we are excited to provide 10 sensory kits for use at YSU basketball games."
The jersey auction will go live on Monday, Feb. 2, and fans can view and bid on the jerseys by visiting ysusports.com/penguinauction. The auction will conclude at 7 p.m. on Feb. 6., Winners will be able to pick up their jerseys at the YSU Athletic Ticket Office in Stambaugh Stadium during regular business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) starting on Feb. 9.
If items are requested to be shipped, the winning bidder will be responsible for all shipping and handling charges. Please contact Chris Sumner at cmsumner@ysu.edu or 330-941-7229 to make arrangements for those items to be shipped.
Tickets for the game can be purchased through YSUsports.com or in person at the YSU Athletic Ticket Office in Stambaugh Stadium.
The Rich Center for Autism was established in 1995 through the collaborative efforts of the Kosar, Rich (Ricchiuti), and Rubino families, who have a shared interest in autism. In collaboration with Youngstown State University, The Rich Center for Autism is located on the campus and functions as a not-for-profit.
