Heads Up! Teddy Bears Alert!

Move over hockey "hat trick," hello "Teddy Bear Toss."

In what has become a tradition much like in hockey, Oregon State Athletics holds an annual "Teddy Bear Toss", sponsored by the local Toyota dealers, every December at Gill Coliseum during a men's basketball game. Fans literally litter the playing floor at halftime with a cascade of flying bears; all for the joy of underprivileged kids in the Willamette Valley.

"The event gets to be more popular every year," OSU Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing Sara Elcano said. "The size and number of animals, and how far fans can actually toss them is pretty impressive. If you are one of the fans with a front row seat -- `heads up'"

At the Dec. 11 men's basketball home game fans tossed 1,038 bears onto the floor and combined with approximately 975 donated toys from a previous women's basketball game to make the Holiday season a special for many disadvantaged kids.

This year the Beavers' highly engaged Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) played a huge leadership role in the event, led by SAAC president gymnast Taylor Ricci and SAAC vice president rower Tess O'Leary.

"Oregon State's SAAC has been actively taking on more leadership across our campus and within the community," Ricci said. "We have come to realize how impactful the student-athlete voice is and how a small act from us can have a huge influence on someone's life! We are excited to pair with athletics for this year's toy drive and Teddy Bear Toss and can't wait to deliver what we have collected to children and families in need this holiday season."

Plans are already in the works for the next Teddy Bear Toss in December, Elcano said. Look for more details in late fall.

OREGON STATE EVERYDAY CHAMPIONS CULTURE
Through the power of sport, we help people discover and pursue their passions, talents and purpose in order to live a life of balance and positive contribution

Related Videos