My name is Sadie Garland and I have started this petition for two reason. 1) To get lacrosse added as a sport in Pender County Middle schools and 2) To amend the current rule that does not allow Pender County middle schools to play teams outside of the county. Lacrosse is the fastest growing collegiate sport over the past 15 years and is extremely popular in North Carolina. But sadly, it is only available as a rec or travel sport in our area, which excludes children who are only financially and/or physically (because of travel) able to play school sports. Most Pender County middle schools are farther away from scms/tms than New Hanover middle schools. USA Lacrosse stated insurance would cover any player with a US lacrosse active membership which only costs $30. As an 8th grader, I realize my dream of playing the sport I love most for my middle school is unlikely to become a reality, but I would love to see it for my little brother, whose middle school career will be just beginning next year, for all the kids who already know they love the sport, and especially for all the kids who might never discover lacrosse if they don’t get exposure to it at school.