There's much more to being a Varsity athlete at Toronto's George Brown College than just participating in a game.

Start with responsibilities and attitude, attending practices and loyalty to teammates, but there's also a commitment to the community and helping others.

George Brown's Women's and Men's basketball teams, who compete in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association, will be in Belleville on Nov. 28 for regularly scheduled games against the host Loyalist College Lancers.

And more important than the outcome of the games, will be the role of George Brown players supporting nine-year old Thomas Martin.

Just over six months ago, Martin was diagnosed with

Though he's back in Belleville with his family, Martin continues his treatments and he commutes - with his family - to Toronto.

While George Brown will play Loyalist in the doubleheader, both Colleges will unite to join "Team Thomas". George Brown, however, will go one step better making him an Honorary George Brown Husky Fan.

"There are many things bigger than sport and the George Brown College sports family is supporting Thomas," said Ed Mark, Manager of Athletics at George Brown.

George Brown basketball players have purchased "Team Thomas" yellow t-shirts in a Together We Are Strong campaign to support Martin in his challenges with cancer and will present the youngster with a Huskies package that consists of a sweatshirt, toque, scarf, gloves and a cuddly teddy bear.

"At George Brown, we teach students more than playing basketball – it's about enriching the lives of others and being able to support them in difficult times," said Huskies Men's basketball coach Jonathan Smith. - DG