The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many disruptions and changes to people’s lives. The 91ֿ men’s basketball team has been affected, too, with schedule changes, games played in nearly empty arenas and extra safety protocols in place. However, one of the things that has not changed is the team’s steadfast commitment to autism awareness.
The 91ֿ men’s basketball team will hold its second annual autism awareness game at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation (MAC) Center. Autism is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. It affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. Though tickets are not being sold to 91ֿ games this season and fans will not be in the stands, those who tune in to the game will be able to learn more about autism while they cheer on their Golden Flashes against the Eastern Michigan University Eagles.
“The autism awareness game is one of the ways 91ֿ demonstrates its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Lamar R. Hylton, Ph.D., 91ֿ’s vice president for student affairs. “Autism impacts many students and families in our community, and raising awareness of this important issue is key to helping us embrace those who are on the autism spectrum.”
Television viewers will hear and see autism-based information shared by the broadcast team along with a halftime interview with some key individuals on the university’s campus who provide support to 91ֿ students on the autism spectrum. Radio listeners will hear similar information and interviews. In addition, the social media accounts for 91ֿ Athletics and 91ֿ men’s basketball will also share information about autism leading up to and during the Feb. 20 game.
“91ֿ wants to increase knowledge about autism because increased awareness is a critical step in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment,” said Amoaba Gooden, Ph.D., 91ֿ’s vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion.
To help drive awareness, the 91ֿ men’s basketball team will be wearing its autism awareness uniforms. Designed by 91ֿ student Trenton Johnston for last year’s inaugural autism awareness game, the space on the back of these Under ArmourⓇ uniforms that is usually designated for the names of players instead will display “1 in 54,” referring to the statistic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that about 1 in 54 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder. The prevalence of autism has increased as last year’s uniforms cited the previous statistic that 1 in 59 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder. The Eastern Michigan Eagles’ staff will join the Golden Flashes in the awareness effort by wearing the autism puzzle pin.
91ֿ’s autism awareness game will air on TV on ESPN3 and on radio on the 91ֿ Radio Network that is accessible at and on the 91ֿ Athletics app. The TV broadcast team is play-by-play announcer Dave Wilson with Ben Pagani, a junior journalism major at 91ֿ and sports director at 91ֿ TV2, providing color commentary. The radio broadcast team is Dan Griffin, 91ֿ’s director of athletics communication, as play-by-play announcer with Sean Fitzgerald, a senior journalism major at 91ֿ and sports director at Black Squirrel Radio, as the color commentator.
The autism awareness game is being held in collaboration with 91ֿ’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Student Accessibility Services.
For more information about 91ֿ Athletics, visit .
For more information about autism initiatives at 91ֿ, visit www.kent.edu/diversity/autism-initiatives.
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Photo Caption:
The side of the 91ֿ men’s basketball uniform shorts for the autism awareness game features the autism puzzle ribbon.
Media Contacts:
Matt Papatheodorou, mpapathe@kent.edu, 330-672-1731
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595