Christanson makes an IMPACT on Rivier Men's Hoops

(Nashua, NH) Earlier this week, the Rivier University Men's Basketball held an official signing to welcome six year old Jack Christanson, a Nashua native, to the team for the 2012-13 season. Jack is living with Down syndrome along fighting a battle with leukemia. He was introduced at a Press Conference held in front of about 100 student-athletes inside the Muldoon Gymnasium.

Jack's parents, Debbie and Tom, along with his older sister Haley also attended the event. Rivier Head Men's Basketball Coach David Morissette read some fast facts about Jack to the fans. Some of the things that Jack likes are chicken and french fries; Batman from the 1960's and watching YouTube videos on the iPad.

"It was a terrific event that was well attended." Coach Morissette said following the press conference. "I feel that Jack will be a tremendous asset to our ball club this season. Captains Mike Polley and Chris Foley along with the rest of the team are really excited, as am I, to have him here."

Christanson was brought to the Raiders Men's Basketball program through the Team IMPACT organization and Maura Mahoney. Team IMPACT is a non-profit chartered to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening illnesses. Across the northeast they create unparalleled team based support systems. Core to their model is harnessing the power of teamwork by matching these courageous kids with college athletic teams. Team IMPACT children are drafted onto local college athletic teams and become an official member of the team for the duration of their treatment and beyond. You can find out more about Team IMPACT by visiting their website: www.goteamimpact.org.

The Men's Basketball season will begin their 2012-13 campaign with a November 15th; 12:01am tip off across town at Daniel Webster College. Jack will make his home debut on the following night – Saturday, November 16th – when the Raiders host Sarah Lawrence in the opening game of the 2012 Rivier/Coca-Cola Tip-Off Classic.