he PSFCA Big 33, whose Football Classic (PSFCA) is presented by Renewal by Andersen of Central PA, is excited to hold their second BUDDY DANCE in a row on Friday, March 14, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit, 55 Miller Street, Summerdale, Pa. Children/Individuals ages 5 and up with special needs, along with present and past Buddies and friends can participate. This event is generously funded by UPMC, who is a 2025 Buddy Sponsor for the PSFCA Big 33.
“This is one of our most favorite nights of the year, where we are able to watch the smiling faces of our Big 33 Buddies on the dance floor. We are grateful to UPMC and to all of our sponsors for helping us to host this special outing for our Buddies and what promises to be a fun evening for all. In addition to the Big 33 Buddies and friends joining us, we are excited to also have area football players and cheerleaders from Mechanicsburg High School as well as their school mascot and the Buddy Team Mascot ‘Canine Hope’ participating,” said Garry Cathell, PSFCA Big 33 Executive Director.
Launched in 1985, the esteemed Big 33 Buddy Program pairs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with Big 33 athletes, creating unforgettable experiences and breaking down barriers. The Buddy Program features year-round events, with Mini-Golf, Bowling, Buddy Dance, and the Big 33 Football Classic. Throughout game week, Buddies get the chance to connect with athletes both on and off the field, forming special memories that last a lifetime. The Buddy Program is designed to create an environment where everyone is seen for who they truly are, beyond their disabilities. For individuals with special needs, it provides an opportunity to be part of a community where they are accepted, valued, and celebrated.
Renewal by Andersen of Central PA is the title sponsor for the Big 33 Memorial Day Weekend events slated to start on Wednesday, May 21st and conclude on Memorial Day Sunday, May 25th with the 68th Big 33 Football Classic known as the “Super Bowl of High School Football.” Pennsylvania and Maryland players and cheerleaders will all practice at Cumberland Valley High School. Other special events being planned over the holiday weekend for CVHS include: Big 33 Buddy Day, Big 33 Pep Rally, Big 33 Recognition Program, 2nd Annual PSFCA Big 33 Girls Flag Football Tournament, Big 33 Fan Fest, military participation and family-friendly activities. PSFCA East West all-stars will play their Big School and Small School all-star football games at Chapman Field on Sunday, May 18th at Noon (Small School) and 5:00 p.m. (Big School). These games will feature seniors from Pennsylvania, as well as all-star cheerleaders.
For more information, go to www. big33.org or follow them on Facebook @Big33FootballClassic, Instagram @PFSCABig33FootballClassic or on Twitter @psfcabig33. Some well-known Big 33 alumni and NFL greats include: Joe Namath, Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Ricky Waters, Tony Dorsett, Ben Roethlisberger, Kyle Brady, Miles Sanders, Jordan Hill, and Damar Hamlin. Money raised from the game helps support all PSFCA Big 33 programs, including the Big 33 Buddy Program. Proceeds also assist in supporting military appreciation aspects of the Memorial Day Weekend. Big 33 PA and MD Players will stay with host families again this year. Any potential host families or Buddies or interested sponsors can contact Nicole Whitmire at nwhitmire@big33.org.
