Third annual Play for Kurt alumni lacrosse game will be Saturday at 1 p.m.

Kurt Skelly playing for the Avon High boys lacrosse team in 2011. (Photo courtesy Elaine Nord)

AVON  – Dozens of former Avon High lacrosse players, friends and family members are expected to attend the third annual “Play for Kurt” lacrosse game on Saturday, June 17 at Buckingham Field at 1 p.m.

While the event began as the annual Avon High alumni lacrosse game, it has been modified to be a fundraiser for the Kurtis Robert Skelley Memorial Fund. The fund helps raise awareness to nuture, educate and save young adults suffering with mental illness.

Kurt Skelley graduated from Avon High in 2011. He passed away in March 2014. He was an outstanding lacrosse player at Avon and Springfield College. He earned All-NCCC and All-State in his senior year, scoring 26 goals with six assists.

Skelley’s mother, Lisa Ludwig, delivered a passionate message at the debut event in 2015. “My hope is that you pay close attention to that fact and that you can become a spokesperson for Kurt and this horrible disease. If it can happen to Kurt, then I am here to tell you that it can happen to anyone.

“If you all keep Kurt in your hearts as you journey through your own lives, I believe that you may be able to help or even save someone’s life,’ Ludwig said. “All you need to do is be truthful and to talk. Talk about your feelings, talk about what you need, talk about how others are doing, talk about the pressures, talk about getting help, talk like you have never talked before. You see, if you are talking then others will start talking and in time, talking about depression and the truth without the stigma will become the norm.”

Former Avon High lacrosse players that would like to play can contact Mack (860-462-3272) or Patton (860-712-2742) or simply show up on June 17. A limited number of benefit uniform jerseys will be available for $20 each on a first-come basis.

A website has been set up to raise awareness of depression in young adults and to raise money in support of individuals and organizations devoted to this cause. Please donate at http://www.mindsatcapacity.org/

Donations will be accepted at the game. People who cannot attend but want to help can send donations to the Kurtis Robert Skelley Memorial Fund, c/o Edward Jones, 9-1 Bank St., Granby, CT 06035.