ANN ARBOR, MI - The game balls for Saturday's showdown between Michigan State and Michigan are on their way to East Lansing in an effort that benefits students with disabilities at both schools.

ROTC members from MSU and U-M began making a 64-mile trek between Michigan Stadium and MSU's "Sparty" Statue at 4:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 27, with the game balls that will be used in Saturday's football contest at Spartan Stadium. Game time is noon Saturday.

A total of 65 cadets take part in the race, taking turns running every five miles. They are expected to arrive around 1:30 p.m. Friday in East Lansing.

The game balls are being transported in an annual tradition that honors the life of Alex Powell, a lifelong fan of the Spartans, who received support from MSU's Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, the group that helped realize Alex's dream of attending Michigan State.

Alex was diagnosed with cancer during his senior year at Lansing Catholic High School. He died before completing his freshman year.

When Powell passed away, his family wanted to create a tradition that would honor his memory and support the organizations that have helped thousands of students with disabilities become Spartans and Wolverines.

The result was Alex's Great State Race, a competition between fans of MSU and U-M to see who can raise the most money for an on-campus organization at their chosen school.

At MSU, that organization is the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities. Michigan fans can donate to U-M's Services for Students with Disabilities in Alex's memory.

Juliana Powell said the race has served as a fitting tribute to two schools that have grown near and dear to her heart, while adding a competitive element her son loved.

"As a true Spartan, Alex appreciated the rivalry between the two schools," she said. "As his mother, I give so much thanks to the U-M Cancer Center as well as for everything MSU gave to Alex.

"I feel like he would be proud of the race," she added. "He wasn't a fan of U-M, but he always looked forward to this game every year. I think he'd also be proud of his Mom for carrying this tradition on."

MSU's RCPD, like U-M's Services for Students with Disabilities, makes an educational experience accessible to anyone with the desire and the intellect for academic success. During his freshman year, Alex was able to report to classes as a Spartan, while taking trips to U-M to receive cancer treatment at the Comprehensive Cancer Center.

In its first two years, Alex's Great State Race has raised nearly $34,000, with MSU topping U-M both years. MSU leads U-M in the fundraiser once again this year, collecting $4,400 in donations, compared to $1,145 for U-M.