Olivia’s Game honors daughter of former UNCW soccer star

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - It’s been a little over a year since 11-year-old Olivia Knighton died in a boating accident in Little River, and her family says her life continues to leave an impact.

On Saturday, UNCW’s men’s soccer team held “Olivia’s Game” for the second straight year, the afternoon serving as a tribute to the daughter of former Seahawks goalie Brad Knighton.

“We were able to enjoy and see through 11 years of her life that she was special,” he said. “She was brought down here on earth for us to be able to live those last 11 years of her life. And now it’s our mission to continue her journey and continue to spread her light and love.”

That mission revolves around the elements core to Olivia’s life – school, sports, the arts and helping others.

Last November, on what would’ve been Olivia’s 12th birthday, her family started the Olivia Knighton Foundation, which has raised nearly $60,000 in scholarships to help kids go to college, camps or play sports. Saturday’s game served as an opportunity to raise money and awareness for the foundation.

“We’re going to continue day in and day out to touch as many people as possible and give them the opportunities that she’s not going to have, and hopefully spread her joy and love throughout the foundation,” Brad Knighton said.

UNCW head coach Aidan Heaney coached Brad Knighton in college, calling him a “second son.” They partnered to create the first-ever edition of the game last year, and Heaney serves on the foundation’s board of directors.

Heaney said Saturday provided perspective to his team that life is bigger than just a game.

“I think she’s looking down on us today,” the coach said of Olivia. “So it means a lot to everybody.”

Heaney, along with his assistants and players, wore special Olivia’s Game shirts during the match against Stony Brook. UNCW also gave out t-shirts with her name on the back and wristbands that read, “Angels are among us. Be one.” The stadium’s turf was also painted “Love for Liv.”

Brad Knighton said it’s a day that means everything to him and his family.

“It just brings us to tears of joy – not sadness – because that’s not what she would have wanted,” he said. “She would have wanted us to smile and be happy and be the light.”