Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh Declares October 20 Travis Roy Day; Travis Roy Foundation Hosts Afternoon Viewing of ESPN Documentary for More than 200 Area Youth Followed by Evening Gala Fundraiser
BOSTON (October 19, 2015) – October 20 marks the 20th anniversary of Travis Roy’s tragic hockey accident at Boston University’s (BU) Walter Brown Arena, which took place just 11 seconds into his first time on the ice as a member of BU’s hockey team and left him paralyzed from the neck down. Though the accident changed the course of his life, Roy channeled his energy into helping others with spinal cord injuries as an activist and speaker. To recognize the milestone date, his eponymous organization, The Travis Roy Foundation, has planned a day of special events at BU’s Agannis Arena to raise funds and awareness to enhance the lives of those living with spinal cord injuries and support funding research that will lead to a cure.
Recognizing the work of Travis and his foundation, Boston’s Mayor Martin J. Walsh has also declared the date to be “Travis Roy Day” in the City of Boston.
An Afternoon with Travis Roy
WHAT: Travis will join 200 kids from the Boston Boys and Girls Club and youth hockey organizations from throughout Greater Boston for a special screening of his ESPN E:60 documentary. At the event, Boston Bruins owner Charlie Jacobs will present Travis with a special jersey as part of his one-day Bruins contract signed last week, and the kids will hear motivational speeches from Travis, legendary BU hockey coach Jack Parker and ESPN anchor John Buccigross.
WHEN: 2:45 p.m. Media availability with Travis and participants
3:30 p.m. Program begins
A Night for Travis Roy
WHAT: Travis will join foundation supporters for a special evening fundraiser honoring the work of his foundation, featuring speeches by Mayor Walsh, Travis’ BU Teammate Dan Ronan, Calgary Flames president of hockey operations Brian Burke, and a performance by comedian Lenny Clarke.
WHEN: 6 p.m. Cocktail reception
7 p.m. Programing begins
WHERE: Boston University Agganis Arena (check-in through main entrance)
925 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston
MEDIA CONTACT: Jonathan Fine, Elevate Communications, jfine@elevatecom.com, 781.248.3963
