BOSTON, Ma. — A Massachusetts college's newest varsity athlete is a 10-year-old chronically ill boy recruited more for his spirit than his slap shot.
The Babson College men's ice hockey team in Wellesley welcomed Walpole fourth-grader Coleman Walsh to the squad Tuesday. The induction was organized by Team IMPACT, a national nonprofit that connects colleges with youngsters dealing with debilitating or life-threatening illnesses.
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Coleman signed a letter of intent with Babson. He put on skates and a jersey before taking to the ice. He'll be able to attend practices, games and other events.
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Since birth, Coleman has been fighting Williams syndrome, a developmental disorder.
Anaheim Ducks player Chris Wagner is from Walpole and wished Coleman luck this season in a video message.
Team IMPACT says it has paired more than 1,200 children with 450-plus U.S. colleges.