Kicking Off for a Cause: UMBC vs. George Mason at "Kicks for Chase"

UMBC will host George Mason University in a very special soccer match at Retriever Soccer Park on Friday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m. for the Fourth Annual “Kicks for Chase” game. The game features the UMBC Retrievers men’s soccer team, who made the NCAA College Cup national semifinals in the 2014 season, against the George Mason Patriots. This one of a kind off-season event is quickly becoming a must-attend tradition in Maryland, and is a fundraiser for The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region (The Arc NCR).

"Once again we're honored to a part of such a great event that supports this tremendous cause," says Pete Caringi, UMBC’s Head Men's Soccer Coach.

Kicks for Chase began in 2013 in memory of Chase Bugarin. Chase, son of UMBC soccer standout Bryan Bugarin and his wife Amy, was born with Down Syndrome and severe complications. Words cannot describe the pain of losing a child. Chase would be turning four years old this December. In his memory, and to benefit kids like Chase with Down Syndrome, UMBC Men’s Soccer began “Kicks for Chase” to raise money for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

"I am very thankful and appreciative for what the UMBC Men's Soccer program has done, and continues to do with their annual Kicks for Chase game, which helps brings awareness to Downs Syndrome and benefits The Arc NCR. This is the fourth consecutive year that the team has hosted the charity game and they always bring in top notch competition. I am proud to be an alum of such a great soccer program!" says Bryan Bugarin.

You can help contribute to Chase's cause. Your donation will benefit The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, a nonprofit helping children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Admission to the “Kicks for Chase” game is free, with donations being accepted. You can donate online through Crowdrise.com, and pre-order a commemorative game t-shirt at www.arcncr.org or mail a check to “The Arc NCR, 4513 Philadelphia Road, Aberdeen, MD 21001.” Be sure to note “Kicks for Chase” with your donation. T-shirts and refreshments will be available for sale at the game. All money raised will go to The Arc NCR’s programs to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

About The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region: About The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region: For sixty-three years, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region has empowered people with differing abilities to live, work and play in our community by providing support services and advocacy to adults and children and their families in Harford and Cecil Counties. For more information, call 410-836-7177 or visit www.arcncr.org.

About UMBC Athletics: More than 400 student-athletes compete in 19 NCAA Division I sports. The UMBC Retrievers participate in the America East Conference. Facilities include a 4,500-seat stadium and track and field complex, the 4,000-seat Retriever Activities Center (RAC) Arena, an indoor and outdoor aquatics complex, tennis courts, a soccer stadium, baseball and softball fields and practice fields. UMBC’s mascot is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and their spirit colors are black and gold. For more information, call 410-455-2197 or visit www.umbcretrievers.com.

Photo Caption: UMBC and The Arc NCR had a blast at the 2015 Kicks for Chase game.