Seattleites to Tackle Crohn’s and Colitis at Charity Event on Seahawks’ Home Turf

Participants invited to attend flag football tournament Sept. 16 at CenturyLink Field

to help raise awareness and fundraise for cures. 

BELLEVUE, Wash, 2017-Sep-07 — /EPR Network/ — The Northwest Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (the Foundation) invites members of the community to participate in its fourth annual charity Flag Football Tournament, presented by BNSF and MPL, on September 16, 2017 at CenturyLink Field.

A total of 24 teams — each made up of seven to 14 players — will get the chance to play on the Seattle Seahawks’ home field the day before the season home opener. Teams will vie for the championship title and prizes, each fundraising in support of the 1.6 million Americans affected by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

“This is by far the most fun charity event I’ve been a part of,” says Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready, who has participated in the event since its inception. McCready found out he had Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis when he was in his early 20s.

“People don’t usually like to talk about these diseases. This needs to change and this event is a big step towards that.”

Money raised at this event will support Crohn’s and colitis research as well as patient education programs and support services, such as Camp Oasis, a summer camp for some of the 80,000 children affected by these diseases.

“This Flag Football Tournament offers a unique opportunity for people to actually play football on CenturyLink Field, the day before the Seahawks home opener, nonetheless,” says Chris Adams, Tournament Chair. “I’ve been a part of countless events for the foundation, and this is by far my favorite. I’m proud of what we’ve built since the first tournament in 2014, and can’t wait to see where it goes for years to come!”

Teams raise at least $3,500 each and play in either the competitive or recreational division. Any participants (16 and older) who wants to play can register as individuals to play on the Free Agents team. Members of the community can attend the event free, which will also feature a raffle and silent auction.

“In my 42-year career with BNSF Railway, I have been through many team building experiences and nothing can compare with the Crohn’s and Colitis Flag Football Tourney at Century Link.  And for a great cause. This ranks up there with once riding a train through the Rockies with Johnny Cash!”.Gus Melonas, Regional Director Public Affairs BNSF Railway.

Many fun activities for the whole family rounds out this great event. The Columbia Distributing sponsored Fan Zone entertains children of all ages with music, games, arts & crafts, face painting and even a game station. Other activities include a free kids’ 40 yard dash which gives children the opportunity to stretch their legs, run on the field, and do an end zone dance. For a small donation you can experience behind-the-scenes stadium tours, and a field goal kick opportunity—to channel your inner Blair Walsh. The field that the Seahawks dominate is a perspective for a unique and exciting experience.

This event is possible thanks to generous sponsors BNSF Railways and MPL Technologies with a thank you as well to Two Beers Brewing, King 5, and 710 ESPN Seattle.

Learn more about the 2017 Crohn’s & Colitis Flag Football Tournament at www.ccfootball.org.

 

About the Foundation

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is the largest voluntary non-profit health organization dedicated to finding cures for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases or IBD. The Foundation’s mission is to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and to improve the quality of life of children and adults who suffer from these diseases. The Foundation works to fulfill its mission by funding research, providing educational resources for patients and their families, medical professionals, and the public, and furnishing supportive services for those afflicted with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

The Northwest Chapter of the Foundation is based in Bellevue, Washington and supports patients and caregivers living in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska. Learn more about the organization at http://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org.

 

CONTACT:

Emma Croston

Deputy Executive Director, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation – Northwest Chapter

ecroston@crohnscolitisfoundation.org

425-451-8455

 

 

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