BC Hosts RISE Unity Game

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – Boston College partnered with RISE to host a Unity Game on Saturday, Feb. 17 when the men's basketball team played Notre Dame. The purpose of the game was to highlight the positive actions that BC and the athletic department are doing to enhance community engagement, equality and unity. BC is the first ACC school to host a Unity Game.

RISE stands for the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 2015 by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross. RISE includes an unprecedented alliance of professional sports leagues, organizations, athletes, educators, media networks and sports professionals using sports to bring people together to promote their core values of understanding, respect and equality.

Since the inception of RISE, there have been initiatives across the country to educate, empower and support athletes, coaches and administrators at every level, while encouraging fans to join with professional athletes and community leaders in appreciation of individual values, perspectives and experiences.

"We were excited for the opportunity to partner with RISE as we highlight the commitment to community engagement here at BC and in the athletic department with our Unity Game," said Senior Associate Athletics Director Vaughn Williams. "The efforts of our student-athletes to use sport to positively impact their community and strive for equality was displayed to all of our fans."

The inspiration behind the game was created out of a session RISE had with the Boston College Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) in October, when student-athletes generated ideas about what they collectively can do to be leaders in promoting a culture of equality and positive engagement in the community.

Before the game began, SAAC representatives handed out RISE wristbands and operated the RISE "It Takes All Colors" photo booth. SAAC also encouraged participants to sign a BC RISE pledge banner. A RISE Student-Athlete pledge video was created that was shown at the game. In addition, a variety of local dance groups performed throughout the contest.

Prior to the game, BC also partnered with students from the Tobin Community Center in Mission Hill. They were accompanied by former men's cross country and track athlete, Collin Fedor '15, who works for State Representative Jeffrey Sánchez. The students had the opportunity to listen and ask questions to a panel of representatives in student-athlete development, development, marketing and administration to learn more about careers in sport. Then, six BC student-athletes talked with the students about being a college student and athlete. Following the panel, Tobin students made posters with the student-athletes to bring to the men's game and they were recognized on-court during the matchup.

Boston College and RISE were able to highlight community engagement, equality and unity throughout the men's basketball game while upholding the Jesuit ideal of men and women for others.

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