INDIANAPOLIS---The NCAA Hall of Champions will place emphasis on youth and positive character development this week when it hosts its fifth annual Stay in Bounds Golf Open, Friday, June 3, at the Legends of Indiana Golf Course in Franklin, Indiana.

Sports personalities and officials from corporations in and near Indianapolis have accepted invitations to play 18 holes of golf and have donated auction items to help raise awareness and additional support for the NCAA Stay in Bounds program. Those playing golf include members of the Indianapolis Colts and Indianapolis Pacers organizations, along with college coaches and media representatives.

The NCAA Stay in Bounds program focuses on the character development of youth in elementary and high school by stressing good sportsmanship, responsible behavior and the enjoyment of healthy competition and cooperation. The guiding values of the Stay in Bounds program are called RICHER principles, which center on respect, integrity, caring, harmony, excellence and responsibility in the school systems and the communities where the youth live.

The Stay in Bounds program has been in existence since 2001 and is supported by the NCAA national office, the National Federation of State High School Associations, the Citizenship Through Sports Alliance, teachers in the Indianapolis school system and a $1.5 million grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc. The NCAA matches 50 cents to every dollar donated to the program.

“The Stay in Bounds Golf Open is a fun event where people can spend a day playing golf, and also raise awareness for the program and its educational values, such as maintaining good sportsmanship and emphasizing positive life skills for youth,” said Mark Herrmann, associate director of the Stay in Bounds Program.

“Teachers, the Indianapolis community and fellow organizations are so instrumental in helping us achieve success with the program. The Stay in Bounds Open is a good way for us to introduce the community to the program and allow them the opportunity to interact with people who believe in our mission.” Herrmann was a standout football student-athlete at Purdue University from 1977-80, and also played several years in the National Football League.