SAN DIEGO - College game days offer a unique opportunity for Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) veterans to connect with their peers and experience the support and appreciation of their community first-hand. By providing an environment that facilitates bonding with friends and forming of new relationships, colleges and universities empower our nation's heroes on their journey toward a new normal.
 
This past spring at a Point Loma Nazarene University baseball game, veterans were offered the chance to meet the team, take the field with starting players for the national anthem, and throw out the coveted ceremonial first pitch. Spirits were high on the bright San Diego day, as the crowd clapped and cheered in celebration of the wounded warriors. Filled with pride and awe, each veteran stepped up to the plate to throw a pitch and receive recognition. The dugouts of both teams were filled with smiling players as they jostled for the opportunity to catch the pitches and take photos with the group.
 
Veterans are not the only ones who benefit from these collegiate sporting events. "It is wonderful whenever PLNU has the privilege to host members of the armed forces," says graduate assistant for athletics marketing & communications, Emily Jurenka. "The military is such a part of the community in San Diego and we are proud to have the opportunity to honor these brave men and women that have served our country."
 
This was the second straight year PLNU Athletics has hosted WWP veterans at both baseball and basketball events. Each of the past two years, Point Loma has honored members of the WWP on the court prior to a basketball game and had a special camouflage shirts created to commemorate the night.
 
To host a collegiate sports event and learn more about inviting WWP veterans to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience, please contact Jenn Leone at Jenn@themeridiangroup.com or to learn more about the Wounded Warrior Project®, click here. To see the complete NACDA article on the different WWP that took part throughout collegiate athletics during the 2016-17 academic year, click here.