Kentucky’s Lift Them Up gameday tradition spotlights children from Golisano’s Children’s Hospital and gives families, players, and fans a shared moment at Kroger Field.
Week 1’s honoree is 7-year-old Oliver, whose recovery and personality have connected with fans across Lexington, as reported by A Sea Of Blue.
Key Takeaways
- The Lift Them Up program selects a child from Golisano’s Children’s Hospital to be honored at each Kentucky home game.
- Oliver is the Week 1 nomination, a 7-year-old who suffered a traumatic brain injury and has made a strong recovery.
- Honorees typically walk with the team along the Cat Walk and receive an in-game announcement and public recognition.
- The tradition began in 2018 and continues to be part of Kroger Field gameday activities.
How Lift Them Up operates at Kroger Field
The program pairs a hospital-nominated child with the Wildcats’ home-game routine so the crowd can see and celebrate them in person.
Selection is coordinated with Golisano’s Children’s Hospital and team staff to arrange logistics for the Cat Walk and in-game recognition.
On game day the honoree is escorted down the Cat Walk with the team and receives a public announcement and a brief moment in front of fans.
Oliver’s recovery and community response
Oliver is described in reporting as a 7-year-old who was struck by a car and suffered a traumatic brain injury that required sedation and ventilator support during the acute phase of care.
Reports note he has made a strong recovery and that his favorite things include hot dogs, spaghetti and the color blue, and that he “also loves getting “puff”” as a playful nod to lifting weights.
The nomination and visibility at Kroger Field have prompted a wave of community support and well-wishes, and fans are encouraged to cheer when Oliver is honored.
Given the sensitive medical details about a minor, reporters should verify clinical information with the family or medical providers before republishing medical specifics beyond what was publicly released.
Lift Them Up history and game day context
| Program element | Verified description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Program began in 2018 and was established to bring children from local pediatric care into the game-day experience |
| Honoree source | Children are nominated through Golisano’s Children’s Hospital and coordinated with team staff for home games |
| Game day ritual | Honorees typically walk the Cat Walk with the team and receive an in-game announcement and recognition in front of fans |
Lift Them Up impact on recruiting and roster construction
Community outreach such as Lift Them Up helps reinforce local goodwill that staff reference when building relationships with families and prospects in the region.
Visible, consistent community programs create off-field touchpoints that complement recruiting conversations by showcasing program culture and fan engagement at Kroger Field.
