Start stretching, because Friday will feature members of the Greek Community gearing up to take on the kickball diamond. 

To benefit their charity, Alpha Omicron Pi is partnering with Phi Kappa Tau to host the first-ever Strike Out Arthritis kickball tournament.

AOPi’s Philanthropy Chair Lauren Morehead planned the event. The event will consist of a bracketed kickball tournament, a pie eating contest and chances to pie people in the face.

With more than 1.1 million people statewide suffering from arthritis and other joint-related pain, according to arthritis.com, the tournament is for a worthy cause. Arthritis is often seen as an “old person’s disease,” but it can affect young adults as well. 

According to arthritis.com, “In the United States, an estimated 300,000 children have (juvenile arthritis) or other rheumatic conditions.”

It’s also a condition that stems from joint-related injuries, like all tears. With more young adults facing sugery or therapy for old injuries or achy joints, the threat of arthritis is real. 

If treatment and appropriate support can be created to help find a cure for athritis now, it won’t be something we have to deal with when we’re older. 

It is incredibly pertinent that members of the Greek community support AOPi, and the Strike Out Arthritis kickball tournament, because it means a better future for our health. 

This isn’t just a charity that zeros in on a specific group of people, it has the potential to impact the majority of campus — especially those who are active or former athletes.

“I think a big thing is not a lot of people realize how much or how many people are affected by it,” Morehead said. 

Imagine the potential if living in pain wasn’t a concern: any research or help that can be offered to those on campus living in chronic pain means a brighter future for Kentuckians and UK. 

Morehead said she hopes the event will “spread (the word) in a fun way.” 

And it should, as chronic pain isn’t something to take lightly and events like these, which make education and charity fun, should be celebrated. 

The Strike Out Arthritis kickball tournament allows for members of the Greek community to get on deck and have fun while still spreading awareness and donating to an admirable cause.

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