The sixth-annual Chiefs Fantasy Camp, benefitting the Center for Concussion Management at The University of Kansas Health System, will welcome nearly 100 participants to Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17.
"Chiefs Fantasy Camp has become one of the most unique annual events on our calendar," Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. "Participants receive a one-of-a-kind Chiefs experience while we all support the Center for Concussion Management at The University of Kansas Health System and the work that they're doing to care for all athletes and patients. We're looking forward to another great event this week."
"Fantasy Camp gives participants the chance to live their dream of being a Chief, but it also helps thousands of young athletes safely play the sports they love," said Bob Page, President and Chief Executive Officer of The University of Kansas Health System. "Proceeds from this event support our Center for Concussion Management, where our academic medicine experts are on the leading edge of concussion management research and treatment. Together we are helping ensure coaches, school nurses, parents and young athletes in our region and across the country understand the critical importance of preventing, recognizing and responding to concussions."
The 2019 edition of Chiefs Fantasy Camp will begin with an all-inclusive reception at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday, May 16, affording participants the ability to mingle with former Chiefs greats. Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus will conduct a Q&A with Chiefs President Mark Donovan to talk about team and league business topics. Following the Q&A, participants will head to the Chiefs locker room to find their locker, see their personalized jersey and receive other complimentary Nike gear before finishing the evening with a special event and activities under the lights at Arrowhead Stadium.
On Friday, campers will settle in for their day-in-the-life of a Chiefs player that will last from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. They begin the morning with a breakfast panel that includes Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid and General Manager Brett Veach. Following the breakfast discussion, participants will break down film with Quarterbacks Coach Mike Kafka and Defensive Backs Coach Dave Merritt. Campers will then hit the field for stretching, led by Chiefs Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Barry Rubin, before getting into on-field drill stations that will be led by former Chiefs players.
Participants will take a break for lunch, which will be followed by an exclusive Q&A panel with current Chiefs players that will be moderated by Holthus. Following the panel, campers will head to the locker room for a pep talk from Pro Football Hall of Famer Will Shields before running out of the Arrowhead Stadium tunnel for the culmination of their preparation – the Chiefs Fantasy Camp 7-on-7 flag football tournament. Tournament play will wrap up with an awards ceremony to take place in the Locker Room Club.
Proceeds for the two-day event will benefit the Center for Concussion Management at The University of Kansas Health System. The Center for Concussion Management is innovative in the field of concussion research and treatment. The care team is led by four physicians from different specialties and a patient navigator. They are supported by nurses and other caregivers at the Health System, with a research component that involves staff at The University of Kansas Medical Center. Doctors at The University of Kansas Health System treat mild to severe concussions in adults and young people – not just athletes. They assess symptoms to make sure the care given helps brains heal so memory and cognitive functioning are fully restored and the chances of a second concussion are minimal.
