‘Champions for Our Children’: UAB, Children’s Harbor partner for 9th annual game for children with serious illness

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - As UAB prepares to take the field against No. 22 Memphis this week for homecoming, the Blazers will also be celebrating the Magic City’s youngest warriors.

Saturday’s game at Protective Stadium will be the 9th annual Children’s Harbor game as part of the “Champions for Our Children” partnership between the Birmingham-based non-profit and the football program.

Children’s Harbor, which has locations at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham and a retreat at Lake Martin, provides seriously ill children and their families a place of rest, comfort and fun at no cost to the families.

Interim Head Coach Alex Mortensen knows how important the partnership between his program and Children’s Harbor is.

“That there’s a great tradition with Children’s Harbor here at UAB,” Mortensen said during his introductory press conference Monday. “It’s something that means a lot to a lot of families and a lot of kids. And I think our players have really embraced it.”

Cat Outzen, the CEO of Children’s Harbor, said the game represents something bigger than just football, emphasizing the relationship between patients and players.

“These athletes play for something beyond themselves, representing those who can’t take the field,” Outzen said. “Through this connection, we’re celebrating their spirit, surrounding them with unwavering support and helping create meaningful friendships that last well beyond the game.”

Since 2016, players have taken the field with the names of patients on their jerseys. This year, more than 100 players will be represented when the Blazers take the field Saturday in their alternate grey and lime uniforms.

After the game, each child will be presented with their game-worn jersey.

“Certainly Coach Dilfer put a big emphasis on it here as well, but our players have really embraced it, playing for something bigger than themselves,” Mortensen said. “That’s going to be a big point of emphasis this week for us, doing a really good job interacting with those families and those children.”

In addition to the game itself, UAB players volunteer time at The Children’s Harbor Family Center at Children’s of Alabama, with players having visited seven times already this year.

“We truly appreciate their thoughtfulness and seeing the interactions they have with our families,” said Lauren Marino with Children’s Harbor. “Throughout the years, we’ve had players stay in contact with their match. Some develop friendships organically over the years, even inviting each other to family gatherings.”

As the Blazers and No. 22 Memphis kick off at 3 p.m. inside Protective Stadium Saturday, the players will know that they’re playing for more than just the win.

Outzen summed it up perfectly, saying, “The athletes and the children sincerely capture the spirit of our saying, ‘UAB plays for me.’

For more information about Children’s Harbor, including how to donate, click or tap here.

Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.