The swell of support for Ogden High football coach Erik Thompson continues to build a greater following.

Thompson, who was recently diagnosed with ALS, has had numerous organizations in Northern Utah provide support to him, his family and the Ogden High community through recent fundraisers and awareness events.

Now, a statewide nonprofit organization has partnered with Weber State University to provide Thompson and his family with a unique experience at this weekend’s Weber State football home game.

Dreams In Motion, a nonprofit group that highlights individuals in Utah communities who are serving others while suffering from various medical issues, has selected Thompson to be the organization’s next ‘Hero’ to celebrate. In featuring the Ogden coach, Dreams In Motion has partnered with Weber State to host Thompson and his family, and highlight his story at halftime of the Weber State vs. UC Davis football game Saturday.

Dreams In Motion chairman Bruce Tippetts said Thompson’s story is easy to support.

“I first read about Coach Thompson’s story in the initial story from the Standard-Examiner, and I was struck by his courage and commitment to serving Ogden High students in spite of his health challenges,” Tippetts said. “Our board was also touched by his story, which made this an easy selection for our organization.”

The Dreams In Motion board, which includes Northern Utah figures such as Congressman Blake Moore and Utah State Rep. Kera Birkeland, worked with Weber State University’s president, Dr. Brad Mortensen, and other university staffers to provide Thompson and his family with this unique experience. Birkeland will represent the nonprofit organization during Saturday’s halftime presentation.

Thompson, who is a Wildcat football fan, said he is appreciative of the experience for he and his family.

“I want to thank Dreams In Motion and Weber State University for providing this experience for my family and I,” he said. “We are so grateful to have so many people supporting us in this journey.”

Tippetts noted how the supportive nature of the Northern Utah community is palpable.

“It is incredibly impressive to see political leaders like Congressman Moore and Rep. Birkeland, who are so engaged with the people in and around their constituencies,” he said. “It is also wonderful to see how invested Weber State University and Dr. Mortensen are in personally serving the people of Ogden City and Northern Utah. The connection between all of these entities in serving people is inspiring to see.”

Dreams in Motion is a nonprofit that gives the opportunity to receive a first-class dream experience to a sporting event, according to its website. To learn more about the organization, visit dreamsinmotioncharity.com.

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