The National Down Syndrome Society and Fairleigh Dickinson University Announce a Purpose-driven Partnership

The Knights are one of the first programs to officially announce a jersey patch partnership that involves a non-profit organization

Washington D.C., Oct. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) are proud to announce a purpose-driven partnership that will see the Division I FDU men’s basketball program raise awareness by wearing an NDSS patch on their uniforms this year.
 

"Since 1979, NDSS has been working to create a world where individuals with Down syndrome thrive, and at the core of our work are our families. We are honored to partner with FDU and celebrate Jack and his family along the way,” said NDSS CEO Kandi Pickard. "We look forward to making an even greater impact on the Down syndrome community together through sport and connection."

This partnership comes as a direct result of an NCAA rule change that allows teams to sell sponsorship space on their uniforms. The Knights are one of the first programs to officially announce a jersey patch partnership that involves a non-profit organization.

Over the past four decades, NDSS has led some of the most pivotal advances in Down syndrome rights and representation while shaping education, healthcare, employment, and more. Individuals with Down syndrome help lead the organization from within, serve on staff and the board, and guide its direction.

Additionally, the collaboration is unique in the sense that FDU men’s basketball has a personal connection to Down syndrome. Jack Castleberry, who is entering his fourth season as head coach of the Knights, has a two-year-old daughter, Avery, with Down syndrome. Castleberry, who resides in Northern New Jersey with his wife, Kara, and three daughters, is excited about the impact this partnership can have and the awareness it can raise.
 

"I am thrilled to have our program partner with the National Down Syndrome Society. NDSS fights for the rights and inclusion of those with Down syndrome,” said Castleberry. “They are a critical resource for those within the Down syndrome community and tells the story of an often-misunderstood condition to the world. As the father of a child with Down syndrome, I’m thankful for the work NDSS does and I’m excited our team gets to join them in their mission! I’m incredibly proud of FDU and thankful for my AD Jason Young and President Michael Avalatroni for seizing the jersey patch opportunity and using it for good. We will wear this patch with pride!”

FDU’s men’s basketball team and the NDSS patch will appear on national television three times this season. The Knights begin their season on Nov. 3 at Illinois on the Big Ten Network. The YES Network, home of the New York Yankees’ telecasts, will air six FDU home games throughout the 2026-27 season. Beyond the uniforms, FDU and NDSS will work together to create exclusive experiences for individuals with Down syndrome at select Knights basketball games this year. FDU and NDSS will also collaborate on digital and social media content to raise awareness and promote inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome.

“Part of what makes sports so unique is the opportunity to create partnerships like this,” said FDU Senior Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics Jason Young. “When you can make a meaningful impact while raising awareness for a cause that is close to home for FDU, the potential becomes even more exciting. We look forward to collaborating with NDSS and using our platform of Division I Athletics to be an asset in our community.”
 

FDU has designated its January 30 home game against Stonehill as the official Down Syndrome Awareness Game. NDSS will be highlighted throughout the contest through in-venue signage, broadcast features, and additional game-day activations.
 

ABOUT NDSS
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is dedicated to creating a world where individuals with Down syndrome thrive. Founded in 1979, NDSS is the leading national organization for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. NDSS advances research and public policy, expands opportunities in education, employment, health, and adult life, and connects the Down syndrome community with trusted information and resources. NDSS also brings people together around the world through the National Buddy Walk® Program and signature NDSS events across the country. Visit www.ndss.org
 

ABOUT FDU ATHLETICS
FDU is home to 23 NCAA Division I teams and 133 NEC Championships. A member of the NEC, the Knights have had tremendous success in the classroom, in athletic competition as well as giving back to the Bergen County community. FDU became the first school in NEC history to win championships in women's volleyball, women's soccer, and men's soccer in the same season (2022). In 2023, the Burgundy and Blue also became the first NEC school to win two games as a 16-seed in the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, including an upset over top-seeded Purdue. As a result of its incredible 2022-23 season, FDU placed 92nd in the Learfield Director's Cup, the first NEC program to finish in the Top 100. In 2024 Salif Mane captured the Triple jump title at the 2024 NCAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships, went on to win the gold medal at the Team USA Olympic Trials, and compete at the Paris Olympics. In 2025, FDU won four conference championships in the span of 35 days in women's basketball, women's bowling, women's golf, and women's tennis. Off the field, FDU student-athletes were recognized for their efforts in the community by winning the NEC Building Communities Award in 2020, 2024 and 2025. In addition to recent championships, FDU holds five additional national championships,
three in sport of women's fencing and two in women's bowling.

Michelle Sagan
National Down Syndrome Society
3017280447
msagan@ndss.org