NEW YORK– Columbia men's basketball head coach Jim Engles announced a new team member, signing 7-year-old Jorel Marmur through Team IMPACT.
 
Jorel, who lives with a chronic kidney condition, was officially introduced at a signing day press conference prior to the game on Saturday, Feb. 25 inside Schiller Court at Levien Gymnasium. He will participate in many activities with the team including games, practices, and other team events.
 

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Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization, has developed a unique multiyear program that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience.
 
"Team IMPACT is excited to see Jorel officially join the Lions," said Danielle Hardee, Regional Director of Programs, Northeast at Team IMPACT. "We are proud to work alongside Columbia University, their athletic department, and coaching staff to create lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes between student-athletes and their Team IMPACT teammates."
 
Columbia University has worked with Team IMPACT for the past 11 years, matching nine children across its men's and women's basketball, women's field hockey, women's lacrosse, men's soccer, softball, and women's tennis teams. 
 
"We are excited to welcome Jorel as the newest member of our program," said Engles. "We look forward to having Jorel around at games, practices, and our other team events."
 
About Team IMPACT
Team IMPACT's unique multiyear program signs children facing serious illness and disability onto college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience, ensuring everyone involved has the personalized game plan they need to win – effectively building confidence and independence. Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 2,300 children with 700+ colleges and universities in 49 states, impacting more than 60,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.