MANCHESTER, NH – In 2011, Playing for a Purpose Field Hockey Jamboree was created by twin sisters Jenna and Kelly Freitas to raise money for patient services and cancer research at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center. Back then it was quite personal: Their mom, Christine Freitas, was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. She was first diagnosed in 2002 with melanoma.
She has been cancer-free since her surgery, and today, Jenna and Kelly do what they do because it’s a way of fighting back. Over the years they’ve learned that everyone is touched in some way by cancer. This event brings teams used to being on opposing sides together for one unified cause. Yes, they play to win, but they also play to make a difference in the world, one small gesture with large and lasting impact.
The day-long event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and spectators are not just welcome, but encouraged, to be part of the various games, competitions and challenges. For the Freitas sisters, it’s become a time for creating hope, inspiration, friendship and fun!
Memorial will be joined by teams from across New Hampshire:
- Bedford
- Bow
- Dover
- Hopkinton
- Lebanon
- Londonderry
- Manchester Central
- Nashua North
- Nashua South
- Newport
- Souhegan
- Weare
- Whitefield
The highlight of the event says Mike Doyle, a longtime friend of the family and event supporter, is when the players take a break at noon, gather in the field and, with each team wearing a different color to represent a type of cancer rather than their school colors, hold hands while the names of those who they are playing in honor – or in memory of – are read.
“It’s something to see,” says Doyle. “It’s really powerful.”
The 9th Annual event is set for Aug. 31 at Memorial High School field from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Since it began, Playing for a Purpose Filed Hockey Jamboree has raised over $75,000.
