SALT LAKE CITY (March 31, 2015) – In recognition of World Autism Awareness Day, the Utah Jazz will host 300 guests from the Autism Council of Utah, Carmen B. Pingree Autism Center of Learning, and Clear Horizons Academy at the Jazz game on April 1 against the Denver Nuggets at EnergySolutions Arena.
Game tickets are courtesy of the community donation program purchased by Jazz players Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, Trey Burke and Alec Burks. The Jazz coaching staff and broadcasters will be wearing “Autism Speaks” lapel pins during the game. The Autism Council of Utah will have an information booth at portal J on the main concourse of EnergySolutions Arena.
From March 30-April 2, the NBA is partnering with Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, for the sixth consecutive year to recognize Autism Awareness Week. “Light It Up Blue” is a unique global initiative that occurs on World Autism Day on April 2 when worldwide iconic buildings and landmarks are shown in a blue light.
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. An estimated one in 68 children in the United States is on the autism spectrum.