New DFRC Director Renews Focus On Mission Ahead Of 69th Blue-Gold Game

The DFRC Blue-Gold All-Star Football Game will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the University of Delaware football stadium. (Photo provided by DFRC)

WILMINGTON— As the DFRC Blue-Gold All-Star Football Game approaches, newly appointed DFRC Executive Director Marie A. Vacca reintroduces the heart and mission behind one of the state’s longest-running and most meaningful traditions.

Vacca, who took the helm of the Delaware Foundation Reaching Citizens with Intellectual disABILITIES (DFRC) earlier this year, brings a renewed focus on community connection and celebrating the ABILITIES of all individuals with intellectual disABILITIES. With a strong background in nonprofit leadership and fundraising, she aims to amplify the impact of DFRC’s mission across the state.

First held in 1956, the Blue-Gold Game was established to bring together high school athletes from across Delaware while raising awareness and support for individuals with intellectual disABILITIES. Today, it remains DFRC’s signature event.

“This game has always been about more than football,” said Vacca. “It celebrates people for their ABILITIES, not their disABILITIES. The event helps young people, and everyone involved, discover the tremendous capacity these individuals have for love, happiness, and living life to its fullest.”

The DFRC Blue-Gold All-Star Football Game will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the University of Delaware football stadium. This marks the 69th annual game, continuing its tradition of uniting high school athletes, cheerleaders, band members, and student ambassadors from across the state while raising awareness and funds to enrich the lives of Delawareans living with intellectual disABILITIES.

The game also highlights DFRC’s Hand-in-Hand Program, which pairs high school participants with children between the ages of 4 and 18 with intellectual disABILITIES, with the goal to build lasting friendships and foster empathy and understanding.

“Delaware is a special place that holds a unique love and respect for people with intellectual disABILITIES,” Vacca added. “The DFRC Blue-Gold All-Star Game is a big reason why that spirit of inclusion and compassion is so deeply rooted in our communities.”

Proceeds from the event benefit DFRC’s year-round programs that support education, advocacy, and programs for individuals with intellectual disABILITIES across Delaware.

Tickets for the game are available now at bluehens.evenue.net/events/BCC-DFRC.