After former Southern University football player Devon Gales was paralyzed following a hit in a game against Georgia, the University of Georgia has adopted him as their own.
The Bulldogs have taken it upon themselves to help Gales since his injury, receiving an NCAA Sportsmanship Award for their efforts, and now they are raising money to help build him a house.
https://twitter.com/UGAAthletics/status/835642385388404737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Fans can donate by texting “Devon” to 706-204-1707. According to the the Athens Banner-Herald, the university has already raised $49,000 toward a $500,000 goal. The new house will contain features specialized for Gales’ medical needs.
Gales was present at UGA’s sportsmanship award ceremony, and he expressed his gratitude for the university’s help.
“It’s a true blessing,” Gales said after the ceremony when he received a rousing ovation. “Just to have them do something like that. They didn’t have to do anything. They’re just taking me under their wing and making me part of their family.”
The university also came to Gales’ aid when his house in Baton Rouge was flooded in August 2016. A charity tried to raise money to build him a news house after the flood, but the fundraising drive fell short of the needed amount, so Georgia is now taking matters into its own hands.
