LANCASTER – The Lancaster JetHawks have announced they will donate $1 for each walk-up ticket sold for Sunday afternoon’s game to the family of Nigel Hardy.
Hardy, a seventh grader at Hillview Middle School and member of the AV Dynasty All-Stars cheer team, committed suicide earlier this week. He was 13-years-old.
Hardy’s cheer team will perform on the field 30 minutes prior to the 2 p.m. game. There will also be a moment of silence and a few words will be shared to honor the youngster’s life.
Hardy’s brother Rosario, also a member of the AV Dyansty All-Stars, will be among those performing on the field. His mother, Lisa Hardy, will be in attendance as well.
“We are extremely thankful for all the love and support the community is giving [our family],” said Hardy’s mother. “I would like everyone to please remember Nigel and I want to thank everybody for loving him. He knew he was loved here.”
Along with raising money to support the Hardy family, the JetHawks hope to raise awareness about bullying. According to reports, Hardy had been bullied for his participation in cheer.
“Being a male cheerleader is not easy in the community,” said AV Dynasty All-Stars coach Melissa Velazquez. “There are male cheerleaders all over the world and they are amazing athletes. Nigel embraced cheer and loved it. We need to get community awareness out there.”
“He was a very happy 13-year-old boy,” added Velazquez. “We were his second family.”
Other members of the community have rallied to support the Hardy family. Double D Cupcakes is selling “anti-bullying” cupcakes this weekend and have placed a donation box inside their store.
AV Dynasty All-Stars are also planning to raise money. Upon their return from The Summit, a national cheer competition in Orlando in early May, the team plans to hold a “tumble-at-thon” where every tuck is a buck. Participants can donate money to participate in the freestyle cheer event.
Fans will also be able to donate money at the info booth throughout the day at The Hangar.
The JetHawks encourage those without tickets for the game to purchase them prior to the game on Sunday. Money from tickets purchased at the box office and over the phone will be donated. Tickets purchased online do not apply.
Lancaster Jethawks vs. Bakersfield will kick off at 2 p.m. Sunday (April 21) at Clear Channel Stadium, located at 45116 Valley Central Way in Lancaster. For more information, call 661-726-5400
(Information via press release from the Lancaster Jethawks.)
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