BEVERLY, Mass. – The Endicott men's lacrosse program officially announced the newest member of its team on Thursday, February 24 as 16-year-old Patrick Bell joined the Gulls via his Team IMPACT Signing Day, which was held on the campus of Endicott College.
Patrick's signing day festivities included signing a National Letter of Intent (NLI) at the conclusion of a press conference with Endicott men's lacrosse head coach Eric Hagarty '10 M'11 and every member of the Gulls' squad.
Patrick also received his own jersey (#16), helmet, and additional team-issued gear to hang in his own locker at Hempstead Stadium.
Over the next two years, Patrick will participate in many activities with the men's lacrosse program including games, practices, and other team events.
Team IMPACT alum Ken Wallace also will serve as a mentor to Patrick throughout his journey as a Gull.
"We are so excited to see Patrick join the Team IMPACT family at Endicott," said Danielle Hardee, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "Endicott College and the entire campus community have been dedicated to our program since 2011. We are proud to be official partners forming lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes for so many families in the Greater Boston area."
Endicott College has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 11 years, matching 16 children across its baseball, football, men's basketball, softball, men's and women's lacrosse, men's soccer, men's golf, women's hockey, and volleyball teams.
MORE ON PATRICK
Patrick is 16-years-old with Down Syndrome. He is energetic and loves to make people laugh and smile. When he's not playing or watching sports, he loves to play drums, listen to music, and being outside at the beach or park.
ABOUT TEAM IMPACT
Team IMPACT's unique multiyear program signs children facing serious illness and disabilities onto college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience, ensuring everyone involved has the personalized game plan they need to win – effectively building confidence and independence. Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 2,300 children with 700+ colleges and universities in 49 states, impacting more than 65,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.
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(Photo Credit - David Le '10)
