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NCAA To Host Sports And Entertainment Summit For Student-Athletes, March 4-6 In Los Angeles

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Contact(s)

Gail Dent
Associate Director for Public and Media Relations
317/917-6117


 


INDIANAPOLIS -- Approximately 100 NCAA student-athletes who are pursuing academic degrees related to careers in media, marketing, television, film and music have been invited to the inaugural NCAA Sports and Entertainment Summit, March 4-6 in Los Angeles.   The student-athletes will participate in the educational forum and a “Build a Bicycle” community project during the weekend.

The Sports and Entertainment Summit was created to provide NCAA student-athletes with an educational experience that helps them gain a better understanding of the different careers in the sports and entertainment industry and what they need to do as students to position themselves for the future if they plan to enter sports and entertainment fields.   The students will have the opportunity to communicate with individuals who are currently working in sports and entertainment fields.   The professional interaction will also help the student-athletes gain a better insight on day-to-day work experiences and expectations following graduation.

The summit will include speakers from television networks, print media, academia, professional sports, the music and film industries and general business.   Session topics will also include the evolution of social media; steps to gaining success in the sports and entertainment industry; understanding the cinematic arts; and interactive panel sessions.

In addition to the educational experience, the NCAA student-athletes will conduct a “Build a Bicycle” community service project on Saturday, March 5, where they’ll build 20 bicycles with the help of 100 local youth who participate in programs at the EXPO Center in Los Angeles.  The EXPO Center is affiliated with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.  Once completed, the bicycles, in addition to safety helmets, will be provided to the EXPO Center to be given to underprivileged youth.

“This is a great opportunity for NCAA student-athletes to gain a better understanding of their future career choice from the professionals who are currently in the industry” said Robert Vowels, NCAA vice president of student-athlete affairs.  “This is an extension of our NCAA Career in Sports Forum, which provides student-athletes with educational experiences that will help them as they’re completing their academic requirements on campus and once they graduate.   The community service project also provides an opportunity for the student-athletes to give back to a community.   The entire weekend is another example of how athletics and higher education are linked together.”