Scores of college basketball coaches wore Autism Speaks blue puzzle-piece pins from February 9 through 11, 2018. The pins marked the annual Autism Speaks Coaches Powering Forward campaign with NCAA Basketball. Teams, schools, broadcasters and fans also joined in. The goal was to raise awareness and funds for Autism Speaks. The group promotes solutions for people with autism and their families across the spectrum and throughout their lives.
Two coaches whose sons have autism started the effort in 2014. Pat Skerry of Towson University in Maryland and Tom Herrion of the University of South Florida led the way. They asked fellow coaches to wear the pin during televised games on the first weekend of February. More than 80 NCAA coaches and broadcasters answered that first call.
The campaign has grown a lot since then. More than 400 coaches and staff now take part, along with some high school programs. Together they wear more than 4,000 pins. Last season alone, more than 330 NCAA coaches wore the pin, according to the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
Skerry, head coach of the Towson men’s basketball team, said 2018 marked the fifth season of the campaign. He was proud to see participation keep growing, he added. In his view, the backing of Autism Speaks and other coaches brings more exposure to a cause that matters to him and Herrion.
Herrion thanked coaches and media personalities around the country for their support. He said the project is close to both men’s hearts since autism affects so many individuals and families.
Angela Geiger, president and CEO of Autism Speaks, called the campaign a true grassroots effort. She said Skerry and Herrion are strong advocates who carry the group’s mission to events nationwide. At those events, they help build understanding and acceptance of people with autism.
Meanwhile, fans could join by registering on the Autism Speaks website. Autism spectrum disorder involves challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. Still, each person has a distinct mix of strengths and challenges. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 68 children is on the spectrum.
