Bolts’ touchdowns to serve bigger purpose
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Thursday, Aug 21, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
The Chargers’ wide receivers and tight ends make the Bolts’ passing game go, and this season their touchdown catches as well as every touchdown scored will impact more than just the outcome of the game.
The Bolts’ pass catchers will serve as the honorary captains for TDs to Cure HD, a program aimed at helping find a cure for Huntington’s Disease.
“This is going to make finding the end zone even sweeter,” tight end Antonio Gates said. “I’ll be helping my team and I’ll also be helping families affected by Huntington’s Disease. That’s a pretty good combination.”
Gates knows a thing or two about touchdowns. His 43 since 2003 are the most among tight ends and fifth-most amongst all pass catchers. Gates’ teammate Chris Chambers is also certain to be a huge asset to the TDs to Cure HD program. He’s been in the end zone 47 times in his career, including four in 10 games with the Bolts last season.
“This is a very worthy cause that I’m happy to contribute to,” Chambers said. “Hopefully we’ll be able to set a few new scoring records this season and in turn help raise a lot of money to hopefully end this nasty disease.”
While it’s the players that score the touchdowns, it’s the fans in the stands that can score big as well. By making a tax-deductible pledge for every touchdown scored, fan can earn some terrific benefits. Those donating $5 per touchdown ($350 max.) will receive a TDs to Cure HD hat. Those pledging $10 per score ($550 max) will receive a hat plus two invites to an exclusive “TD Day” at Chargers Park during ’09 Training Camp, which includes a chance to meet players. And with a pledge of $20 per touchdown ($1,100 max), fans will receive a hat, four invites to “TD Day” at Chargers Park, and two tickets to a private Happy Hour with the Chargers’ pass catchers, including Gates, Chambers, Vincent Jackson and the rest of the receivers and tight ends.
Fans can learn more about TDs to Cure HD by logging onto http://www.hdsasandiego.org.
Through the program in past years, the players and fans alike have come away with a powerful feeling of accomplishment knowing the difference they are making for the future of so many individuals and families.
Huntington’s disease is a fatal, genetic brain disorder that destroys a person’s mental and physical abilities. An estimated 30,000 Americans have it, and at least 150,000 more are at risk. Children of a parent with HD have a 50-50 chance of inheriting the condition, and the disease can start as early as childhood. Today there is no cure or treatment, however supporters of the TDs to Cure HD program are giving hope for a future free from HD.
Join today and make every touchdown a step closer to making this the Last Generation with HD!
Darron Cummings, AP
Every time Vincent Jackson and his teammates find the end zone this season, they'll also be helping families affected by Huntington's Disease.
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Thursday: Norv TurnerHead Coach Norv Turner speaks to the media at the conclusion of Training Camp Thursday. |
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Thursday: Antonio GatesTE Antonio Gates comments on returning to team drills today, he also told the media what his favorite water slide at Soak City Water Park was. |
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Sights & Sounds: Soak City Water ParkSights & Sounds: Soak City Water Park |
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Chargers.com with Marcus McNeillChargers.com with Marcus McNeill at Soak City Water Park. |
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