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.