INDIANAPOLIS--- NCAA staff and 21 student-athletes from Butler University, the University of Indianapolis and Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis will host more than 130 local elementary and middle schools students for a day of educational sessions and initiative activities on Thursday, April 16, from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the NCAA National Office, located in downtown Indianapolis.
The event is being held in conjunction with National Student-Athlete Day, which is recognized on April 6, but celebrated throughout the month of April at NCAA colleges and universities. National Student-Athlete Day recognizes the accomplishments of student-athletes nationwide who excel in the classroom, on the playing fields and in their communities. National Student-Athlete Day was created by the National Consortium for Academics and Sports and the Northeastern University Center for the Study of Sport in Society, with partnership from the NCAA and the National Federation of State High School Associations.
“The community education day is a wonderful opportunity for NCAA student-athletes and NCAA staff to help educate young students in a non-traditional, fun setting,” said Bernard Franklin, NCAA executive vice president for membership & student-athlete affairs.
“Butler University, the University of Indianapolis and IUPUI are the homes away from home for many NCAA student-athletes so they have a strong will to give back to the community, as well as help youth. This is a great opportunity to help Indianapolis students learn healthy lifestyles, as well as how to be positive, productive individuals while growing up,” Franklin said.
The NCAA student-athletes will begin the day’s program with a presentation to the elementary and middle school students that centers on motivational messages, their current collegiate experiences as student-athletes and the importance of academics. The students, ranging from grades 5-8, will then be divided into small groups that will rotate to stations that focus on healthy living, character growth, diversity, leadership and life skills development.
The NCAA Membership & Student-Athlete Affairs (MSAA) department is coordinating the project with the NCAA student-athletes to help educate the young students about healthy lifestyles and provide positive direction for them. The MSAA group works primarily with college and university officials on rules interpretations, student-athlete programs, health and safety issues and youth initiatives at the National Office.
Program Agenda
10 a.m. Elementary and middle school students arrive
10:-10:30 a.m. Comments from select NCAA student-athletes
10:30-12:30 p.m. Educational programs for students
12:30-1:10 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. Closing remarks by Bernard Franklin
1:30 p.m. Elementary and middle school students tour the Hall of Champions
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: Media are welcome to conduct interviews and to get video footage during the program. NCAA public and media relations staff will be on site to assist media representatives.
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