As the abbreviated 2020 football season approaches, teams are finalizing their rosters and Temple Football decided to give their final roster spot to a very deserving recruit.
Jaidyn, a Philadelphia native, will be a honorary member of the 2020 Temple Owls. The Sankofa Freedom Charter School product is a member of Team IMPACT, a non-profit organization that networks children that are facing serious and chronic illnesses with collegiate athletic teams in part of a two year therapeutic program.
The 13 year old certainly caught the attention of Temple Head Coach Rod Carey, who had strong praise for his newest recruit:
“As soon as I heard about Jaidyn I knew he was Temple TUFF. He fits our core characteristics of being Smart, Tough, and Relentless and serves as an inspiration to all the members of our program.”
Jaidyn has already assimilated himself with the football program, taking part in virtual team meetings. Unfortunately due to his health condition, he won’t be able to attend practices and games in person for the foreseeable future.
In his recruitment letter, the Owls assure Jaidyn that his teammates and coaches “know [his] commitment to the football program,” and that “this coming season is sure to be unlike any other.”
Jaidyn’s mother, Sierra, is grateful for what the Team IMPACT program has done for her son,
“As a parent to a child with special health needs, it is important for me to find programs that are inclusive and safe for Jaidyn. He loves feeling like he is a part of the team and has their support; he can’t wait to meet everyone in person!”
Team IMPACT has certainly left their “impact” in the Philadelphia area. Since 2011, the program has matched 94 kids with local collegiate teams. Currently, 35 kids are matched with 20 different teams, with approximately 1,000 student athletes supporting local children. On a national scale, IMPACT has matched with over 2,000 kids with 700 colleges & universities in 48 states.
BIO:
Jaidyn, who likes to go by Jai, has a younger sister, Journey. The 7th grader aspires to one day be a comedian, and his favorite school subject is literature. His favorite basketball team is the Brooklyn Nets and his favorite athlete is Kyrie Irving. His favorite cheesesteak is from Dalessandro’s. Jai will wear the #7 for the Owls.
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