Widener's men's basketball team will raise awareness about Autism during its annual tournament, which will be held at Schwartz Center on Friday and Saturday.
The Widener Tip-Off Tournament commences Friday with the Pride facing Adrian at 6:00 pm, followed by Wentworth against Rowan at 8:00 pm. The consolation game is Saturday at 1:00 pm and the final is at 3:00 pm.
All proceeds from the four games, including the gate and concessions, will be donated to AutismSpeaks.org. The web site, founded in 2005, is the nation's largest Autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for Autism.
Did you know?
• A new study indicates autism now affects one in 110 children and one in 70 boys
• Autism prevalence figures are growing
• More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
• Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
• Autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to increase in the next decade
• Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
• Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
• There is no medical detection or cure for autism
Prevalence vs. Private Funding
• Leukemia: Affects 1 in 1,200 / Funding: $277 million
• Muscular Dystrophy: Affects 1 in 100,000 / Funding: $162 million
• Pediatric AIDS: Affects 1 in 300 / Funding: $394 million
• Juvenile Diabetes: Affects 1 in 500 / Funding: $156 million
• Autism: Affects 1 in 110 / Funding: $79 million
