Kyle Van Noy Hosts ‘Lion King’ Premiere At Patriot Place, Surprise Kids With Special Needs

Kyle Van Noy is the reason 80 children smiled Friday. The Patriots linebacker and his wife, Marissa, hosted a premiere of Disney’s “The Lion King” at Showcase Cinema de Lux in Patriots Place. The Van Noy couple joined forces with the Patriots Foundation and Patriot Place to organize the private movie showing to a group of foster children and families. They also invited children with special needs from the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Integration Initiative.

The event was supported by Kyle and Marissa’s Van Noy Valor Foundation. They started it in 2014 in order to help fostered, adopted or disadvantaged youth in need. Kyle was adopted as a baby. Marissa has a similar story in her family. Her father and brother were adopted. In other words, this foundation was created with a meaning.

“You know, just trying to give back and enjoy a movie, nothing more,” Kyle said. “These kids all have bright futures and sometimes they just need a little smile on their faces.”

Kyle signed photos and took pictures with his fans. Marissa joined him later, and they enjoyed the move with the kids.

“We are here together as a team, giving back to the community” Kyle said. “To be able to watch a childhood movie I grew up watching, I felt like this was a big deal for these kids and their families. You know, six generations will be able to watch this movie today, not just here, but throughout the country. And what better way to celebrate the summer than by watching ‘Lion King?’”

The “Lion King” movie was presented in theaters on July 19. Children who watched the film with Kyle were among the first to see it.

“We’re really pumped for it,” Kyle said. “I’ve watched a bunch of trailers you know with Simba, my favorite character, Rafiki.”

This isn’t the first time Van Noy and his wife Marissa help children. They have organized similar events for foster children and their families. Hopefully, they will set a good example for other athletes. There are so many kids who need our love and care. It’s time to support the community!