Uplifting Athletes and Horizon Team up for NFL Scouting Combine Reps for Rare

Rare Daily Staff

Horizon Therapeutics and Uplifting Athletes have formed a partnership for the 2020 Reps for Rare Disease campaign, which offers an opportunity for NFL Draft prospects to give back and support the rare disease community.

Participants who team up with Uplifting Athletes will dedicate their performance in one event—bench press, vertical jump or broad jump—at the NFL Scouting Combine or their school’s official pro day, to raise funds for rare disease research and awareness initiatives.

Fans and the community can pledge their support to an athlete with a specific dollar amount for every rep completed or inch jumped in the selected activity. Each supporter’s total contribution is determined by the number of reps completed or inches jumped in the player’s combine performance or official pro day workout. All funds raised will support Uplifting Athletes’ mission to inspire the rare disease community with hope through the power of sport and fund research, awareness and leadership programs.

Donations can be made at each athlete’s individual Pledge It page and benefit Uplifting Athletes, an organization that inspires and develops champions for rare diseases through sport.

Uplifting Athletes’ Reps for Rare Disease raised more than $45,000 in 2019, with 56 participants from 21 Division I football programs. Already, more than 50 athletes have joined the 2020 campaign.

“As a rare disease patient and an athlete, sports have played an integral role in raising awareness for rare diseases,” said Rob Long, executive director, Uplifting Athletes. “Horizon’s support enables us to further our mission by engaging more athletes to have a greater impact on the rare disease community this NFL Draft season.”

This year, Horizon will match donations up to $35,000 through its #RAREis program, which provides individuals living with rare disease and families access to resources that connect, inform and educate as they navigate their daily lives.

“This partnership with Uplifting Athletes complements our #RAREis program, enabling us to work together to call attention to and support the many faces, voices and experiences of the rare disease community among a broader audience,” said Matt Flesch, vice president, communications and patient advocacy, Horizon.

Photo: Pledge page for Notre Dame Safety Alohi Gilman