By Rebecca Danvers

On Saturday, February 7, at 2:00 p.m., a men’s basketball game will be held at Tufts University in Cousens Gym vs. Williams, where this year’s annual Fane the Fire event will be hosted, in support of national Autism Awareness Day.

In the attached basketball court (Chase Gym), they are partnering up with Tufts’ fraternity, Theta Delta Chi (whose philanthropy is Autism Awareness) to provide some entertainment for the kids in case they do not want to watch the basketball game for the whole time. The original ideas for entertainment may include face painting, hoola hoops, and bean bag toss.

Many basketball programs across the NCAA are partnering up with Autism Awareness on this day. But this cause is especially pertinent to Tufts because of the involvement of the Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM).

TUSM’s research focused around this cause provides a unique connection to Tufts. During half time, they will be recognizing TUSM’s commitment to this cause. They are reaching out to the organizations that TUSM works closely with and inviting the families affected closely by autism.

Depending on available time, they are also planning on having Tufts BEATs perform at half time.

The giveaways include the following: Autism Awareness pins, water bottles, rally towels, and Fan the Fire stickers and patches.

They will also be implementing their new student section, the name of which has been voted on by the student body and will be revealed on the eve of the event.