University of Hartford's men's basketball team signed 15-year-old Achille Sambugaro through Team IMPACT, a non-profit connecting children with serious illnesses to college athletics. Sambugaro, who has muscular dystrophy, was welcomed at a signing day event on April 13 and will engage in various team activities. Team IMPACT fosters relationships between teams and children for socialization, empowerment, and resilience.

By the Numbers
  • Team IMPACT has matched over 3,000 children with 700+ colleges and universities in all 50 states.
  • The program has impacted more than 75,000 student-athletes.
Yes, But

Some may argue that while programs like Team IMPACT are beneficial, they may not address systemic issues related to healthcare accessibility for children with serious illnesses.

State of Play
  • Universities like the University of Hartford have been actively participating in programs like Team IMPACT for years.
  • Team IMPACT continues to expand its reach, connecting more children with college athletic teams nationwide.
What's Next

As Achille Sambugaro joins the Hartford Hawks, the focus will be on integrating him further into the team and leveraging the positive impact he can bring to the program.

Bottom Line

The partnership between University of Hartford's men's basketball team and Team IMPACT demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, empathy, and creating life-changing experiences for children facing serious illnesses.