The University
of Minnesota wrestling program is partnering with Smile Network
International to benefit children in developing countries who are born
with facial deformities such as cleft lips and cleft palates. You can
help in this worthy cause and help put new smiles on the faces of these
children by making a pledge for every pin a Golden Gopher makes during
the 2006-07 season.
The Gopher wrestling team is committed to excellence and winning in the
ring, but just as in life, there’s more to this commitment. The entire
squad and coaching staff is also committed to helping children beyond
the boundaries of a ring by helping Smile Network International perform
life-changing surgeries.
Smile Network International is a global non-profit, humanitarian
organization that provides reconstructive surgeries and related
healthcare services to impoverished children and young adults in
developing countries.
Every year, thousands of children are born in developing countries with
facial deformities such as cleft lips and cleft palates and suffer the
humiliation and embarrassment of their disfigurement. These children
suffer rejection and social injustices and are frequently hidden away
from the mainstream of everyday life.
The Gopher wrestling team is asking for help to assist in making a
profound change in the lives of these children whose condition will
otherwise go untreated. If you are interested in making a pledge,
please fill out the information on the attached form.
Fliers and pledge forms will also be handed out at Minnesota’s dual
meet against Penn State at the Sports Pavilion at 2 p.m. on Sunday,
Jan. 21.
For more information about Smile Network International, visit www.smilenetwork.org.