Courtesy of Team IMPACT 

Bridgewater, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University football team welcomed their newest and youngest teammate, 12-year-old Odin, at a special Signing Day event through Team Impact.

The Draft Day was held at the Adrian Tinsley Center on the Bridgewater Stat campus. Odin was joined by his family as well as the football team, coaching staff, and members from the athletic community.

Proudly in front of his new teammates, Odin signed his National Letter of Intent to make his membership to the team official. He was also presented with his own team jersey adoring the No. 49 and a BSU Bears hat. Head Coach Chuck Denune is excited about the addition to his roster and is sure he will bring a new perspective to the team.

“Bridgewater State Football is excited and thrilled to have added Odin to our squad,” said Denune. “We look forward to what he can bring to our team, and forming a meaningful and important bond with him.”

In August of 2010, Odin was diagnosed with CIDP (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy), which is a neurological disorder. It causes progressive weakness and impaired sensory function in the legs and arms. The symptoms include tingling or numbness, weakness in arms and legs, and fatigue. But through his hard work, he has continues to fight through these challenges with a smile on his face and Odin is an inspiration to many.

The newest Bears teammate is a big fan of professional football player, Odell Beckham of the New York Giants.  Some of his favorites include the number 13, the color blue, and Buffalo wings – or anything hot and spicy! He has a younger sister and a dog named Maggie.

“With Odin signed on with us, the future looks bright,” Denune added. “Go Bears!”

Most importantly, Odin is excited to officially join the team and he is already embracing his role as a Bears football teammate. With all he battles through, Odin truly embodies what it means to have determination and is sure to be an inspiration to his teammates and coaches.

ABOUT TEAM IMPACT:

Team IMPACT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team.  Team IMPACT children are drafted on to college athletic teams, local to where they live and, in effect, become official members of the team from Draft Day through to Graduation. At Team IMPACT, they envision a future where the lives of children facing the hardships associated with adverse issues and events will have access to collegiate team-based support in order to significantly enhance their quality of life in a number of ways, including;  socially, psychologically, physically and academically.  Team IMPACT also strives to provide collegiate teams with increased levels of awareness, sympathy and support for the medical and disease communities. Established in 2011, Team IMPACT has already matched over 800 children with collegiate teams, at over 300 institutions in 45 states, improving the quality of life of hundreds of courageous children and touching the lives of over 25,000 student athletes. For more information, please visit: www.goteamimpact.org.