LOWELL, MA (Feb. 6, 2008) – Travis Roy, renowned motivational speaker and author, will be the special guest Friday night as UMass Lowell hosts Disabilities Awareness Night in conjunction with the River Hawks-Boston University hockey clash at the Tsongas Arena Friday night (7:00).

The event, sponsored by MassMutual, is geared to raise awareness of individuals with special needs and disabilities in surrounding communities. The event will provide an opportunity for the University and MassMutual Northern New England agency to thank the many clients and staff of local disability organizations with free tickets to the game donated by various sponsors.

Additionally, Roy will receive the Exceptional Spirit Award from MassMutual’s Terry McMahon during a pre-game ceremony. Additionally, he is scheduled to speak to Talon Club season ticket holders and sign his book, 11 Seconds, in the Talon Club Room.

Roy was a freshman on the BU hockey team in October, 1995 when, just 11 seconds into his first shift, he severely injured his fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae, rendering his a quadriplegic. Facing his disability with determination and optimism, he graduated from BU in 2000 with a degree in public relations, authored 11 Seconds and has become one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the country.

The Travis Roy Foundation, established in 1997, has distributed more than $1.3 million in grants in research projects and rehabilitation institutions across North America.