Hope College will host this summer at Ray & Sue Smith Stadium the Addix All-Star High School Football Game benefiting Gilda's Club Grand Rapids.
The June 8, 2018 event, announced today at a press conference in Grand Rapids, featuring select top high school seniors from Michigan will support free cancer and grief programs offered through Gilda's Club.
"The Hope College football program, along with the college's leadership team, are excited to have this opportunity to host the Addix All-Star Game in Holland and support the fine work of Gilda's Club," Hope College football coach Peter Stuursma said. "Many of these young men who will be playing will continue playing at schools like Hope College. Our hope is to help these players feel a little more comfortable when arriving with their new teams next summer and at the same time highlight the positive things Hope College and the city of Holland have to offer the West Michigan region."
This is the third annual Addix All-Star Game. It has raised $40,000 for Gilda's Club Grand Rapids its first two years.
Every year before the Addix All-Star Game, Gilda's Club members host activities to support and honor individuals who are currently on or have previously been on a cancer journey or have died from cancer.
As part of preparing for the game, athletes have the unique opportunity to also hear from cancer survivors of all ages about the emotional impact a cancer diagnosis creates and how to navigate the tough chapters of life.
"We are thankful Ryan Henderson and Noel Dean, the event's co-creators, continue to recognize West Michigan's need for the services we provide and to raise awareness for our mission in part through this game," said Wendy Wigger, president of Gilda's Club Grand Rapids. "So many individuals from all over the region rely on the emotional support services we provide individuals and families on a cancer journey or suffering grief for any reason."
The Addix All-Star Game will draw high school seniors from the western half of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, ranging from Traverse City to the north, Lansing to the east, Lake Michigan to the west, and the Indiana state line to the south.
Nomination deadline is February 4. To nominate a student-athlete, go to https://www.addixgear.com/allstargame/
Tickets will go on sale at https://www.addixgear.com/ at a later date.
The Addix All-Star Game's coaching staffs also have been announced for the game.
Team Stripes' staff includes Benton Harbor's Elliot Uzelac, Portage Central's Mike Enders and Battle Creek Central's Lorin Granger.
Team Stars features Grand Ledge's Matt Bird and Holland's Andrew Pratley.
Team practices will be held at Portage Central High School and East Grand Rapids High School in the week leading up to the game.
MLive Coverage
