Lagging blood donations could get a big boost from the Big Ten Conference. It’s a different kind of competition. The school that receives the highest number of blood donations will win a $1 million prize.
The Big Ten mascots cheer for more than just football. The conference is launching a new effort: “The We Give Blood Drive.”
It is a national donation competition for schools in the conference.
“Our student athletes get to compete in the United States against the best in the world,” said Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti. “Now we’re giving them another chance to contribute and make a difference in the lives of other people.”
Penn State and Rutgers are among the 18 schools in the Big Ten. Anyone can donate on behalf of any school.
“We’re not just going to build the next generation of blood donors, we’re going to save lives,” said Robert Ford, chairman of the board and CEO of Abbott.
Abbott, the healthcare company, is one of the largest blood processing organizations. $1 million will be donated to the school that receives the most donations. The prize money is intended for healthcare on campus.
“We are leveraging the competitiveness of college football to entice students, alumni and fans to donate blood and hopefully help their school win,” Ford said. “We’re really harnessing the power of sports to help communities.”
Tom Brady is joining forces with the Big Ten and says he has been a blood donor since his days at Michigan.
The competition now runs throughout the football season until Friday 6 December.
“Donors win by contributing to an important cause and helping others, blood centers win by rebuilding their blood supplies and recruiting new lifelong donors,” Ford said.
The winning school will be announced during the Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday, December 7.
