Mercer Island Lacrosse Club (MILC), in collaboration with MI Girls Lacrosse, is sponsoring an unprecedented lacrosse stick giveaway for grades K-2 on April 3. Aimed at inspiring new players at a young level to play lacrosse, this idea was conceived by coach Ian O’Hearn and board member Mike Hubbard.

“Lacrosse is a strong island tradition, and we want to see that continue in future generations,” says Coach O’Hearn. O’Hearn is the MILC program director and was the Mercer Island High School varsity head coach for 14 years, including last year’s varsity team, which holds the state championship title for the 2015 season.

This kind of giveaway has never been offered by a lacrosse club to the surrounding community, but thanks to the generosity of participants in the recent Face Off Friday fundraiser on March 11, MILC is offering this first-of-a-kind event. With a value of $45 each, these complete youth lacrosse sticks will be given to Mercer Island girls and boys at the free drop-in clinic April 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Aubrey Davis “Lid” Park, field C.

Funds raised from Face Off Friday will be directed to lacrosse initiatives equally among the elementary, middle and high school levels. In addition, MILC will look to bolster some alumni events. “The board will be very deliberate in how we steward funds from Face Off Friday,” said Marcy Berejka, board president.

“With our successful fundraiser, we strengthen our parent involvement,” said Face Off Friday fundraising chair Sarah Rowe. MILC hopes to see a big turnout from parents and K-2 players at the lacrosse clinic and stick giveaway on April 3.

“Community matters just as much as the sport. The lacrosse community on Mercer Island helps us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves”, said Ben Berejka, varsity captain.