Illini football participates in annual 'Lift for Life'

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois football raised thousands of dollars at its annual Lift for Life event.

Individuals teamed up for various weight-lifting contests with the goal of fundraising for Uplifting Athletes, a nonprofit committed to aiding those affected by rare diseases.

Leaders of the event, Grayson Griffin and Luke Zardzin, said this event is a great chance for players to give back.

“We were able to put others before ourselves,” Griffin remarked. “Sure, we’re gaining something from it by working out and competing together. But ultimately, it’s about supporting those with rare diseases and providing them with aid.”

“As athletes, we’ve often been focused solely on football and our personal endeavors,” Zardzin commented. “Participating in something unfamiliar has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”

If you’d like to make a donation, you can here.

You May Also Like

Potential Tropical Cyclone One may strengthen into Arthur as Gulf Coast faces new warnings

ORLANDO, Fla. — A poorly organized area of low pressure tracking along…

Taiwan Seeks More US Arms as China Threat Intensifies, Diplomat Says

WASHINGTON — Taiwan must continue buying U.S. weapons to maintain its ability…

Luigi Mangione to Mount Psychiatric Defense in UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Case: What It Could Mean for the Trial

NEW YORK — Luigi Mangione plans to pursue a psychiatric defense in…

Volusia County Stormwater Fund Could Run Dry by 2030, Raising Prospect of Higher Fees

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County officials say the clock is ticking…

Texas Plane Crash Rescue: Volunteers Used Sledgehammers and Shovels to Save Trapped Passengers

A business jet careened at an angle along a dark highway, toppling…

Oviedo Voters to Decide on 4 Charter Amendments in November Election

Editor’s note: This report first appeared in the Oviedo Community News. Oviedo…

Trump administration to Repurchase Offshore Wind Leases for Four Additional Energy Projects

The Trump administration said Wednesday it will buy back U.S. offshore wind…

Tom Dreesen, Pioneering Comic and Frank Sinatra’s Longtime Opening Act, Dies at 86

LOS ANGELES — Tom Dreesen, the veteran comedian who broke ground as…

Chief engineer of cargo ship charged in 2024 Baltimore Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

Federal prosecutors have brought a criminal charge against the chief engineer of…

Qantas Targets October Launch for 22-Hour Nonstop London-to-Sydney Flight

Qantas Airways says it will begin operating the world’s longest nonstop commercial…

What FIFA Hydration Breaks Actually Do—and Why They’re Facing Growing Criticism

LOS ANGELES — FIFA is requiring hydration breaks for all players at…