BY DANZA JOHNSON
Daily Journal
TUPELO - Football is popping up in Oxford a little early this year, and the
Hallmark family is grateful for it.
The University of Mississippi chapter of the Sigma Nu fraternity is hosting its
19th Annual Sigma Nu Charity Bowl football game Friday to raise money for those
who have suffered paralysis.
This year's recipient is Barry Hallmark, a 20-year-old quadriplegic from
Baldwyn. Hallmark was paralyzed when suffered a broken neck last May after a
four-wheeler accident. Despite his condition, Hallmark continues to be upbeat
and grateful to Sigma Nu for its help.
"It's kind of nice to know there are people out there who don't know you and
have never met you, but are willing to help you," said Hallmark. "This is a
great thing they are doing and me and my family really are thankful. I've always
been an Ole Miss fan and I'm looking forward to watching some football."
Fraternity member Patrick Sala is in charge of this year's game, which will be
played at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium at 7 p.m. Friday. Sigma Nu will square off
against another Ole Miss fraternity, Sigma Chi, in the full-gear, full-contact
game.
"This is something our fraternity started in 1989 after Chucky Mullins was
paralyzed against Vanderbilt," said Sala, referring to the late Ole Miss
football star. "We wanted to find a way to remember Chucky and to help others
who were paralyzed and that's how the game started. Since then, we've raised
more than $1 million to help paralysis victims."
Sala said more than $65,000 already has been raised for Hallmark, money his
father, Frankie, said will be used to remodel the family's home for Barry's
comfort.
"We were already in the process of remodeling when we found out about the game,"
said the elder Hallmark. "We want to build Barry a bigger room for his
wheelchair and lift and stuff. This money is really going to help us."
Admission to the game is $10 and T-shirts will be sold for $10 as well. All
proceeds will go to the Hallmark family.
Contact Daily Journal reporter Danza Johnson at 678-1583 or
danza.johnson@djournal.com.
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