ALBANY - Russell Sage College Men's Basketball joined coaches across the United States in supporting Autism Speaks and Coaches Powering Forward for Autism.

The coaching staff, led by Brian Barnes, supported the 1 in 44 children on the autism spectrum by wearing the Autism Speaks puzzle piece pins in the Empire 8 Conference games vs. Houghton on February 11 and Alfred on February 12.

The Coaches Powering Forward for Autism Speaks: NCAA Autism Awareness and Acceptance Weekend is an annual effort to bring the NCAA community together in support the mission of Autism Speaks. Since starting Coaches Powering Forward eight years ago, more than 5,000 Autism Speaks puzzle piece pins were provided to coaches, their staff and broadcasters to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism during the awareness games.

This year's awareness weekend runs from March 4 – 6 and helps raise awareness and bring Autism Speaks one step closer to its vision of a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential.

For more information and to donate visit: https://www.autismspeaks.org/coaches

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