Aberdeen, S.D. – NSU Athletics and the United Way of Northeastern South Dakota will host the 15th annual Day of Champions this Saturday, April 22nd. The community service event places Wolves student-athletes with organizations in the Aberdeen community and surrounding areas, volunteering their time with various projects.
The Day of Champions started in 2002 as a collaborative effort between the NSU Athletic Department and the United Way where Wolves student-athletes give back to the region through a day of volunteering. Since 2002, a total of 2,100 Northern State student-athletes have worked on over 170 projects with 16,000 hours of labor, equating to $170,000 worth of donated labor.
“This is a day our agencies look forward to each year. The amount of work that the NSU student-athletes can accomplish is simply amazing,” noted Aaron Schultz, Executive Director of the United Way. “The education for these student-athletes goes well beyond the classroom. Each year athletic coaches, staff, and the Athletic Director stress the importance of giving back to our community. Simply put, this is a win-win for everyone involved.”
In 2017 the Wolves will participate in service projects at the 13 different locations around the area including: Aberdeen Community Theatre, Aberdeen Family Y, Aberdeen Ride Line, Aberdeen Senior Center, Boys and Girls Club, Fredrick Forward, Girl Scouts, Horton Inc., New Beginning Center, SD School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Strand Theatre (Britton), The Journey, and Tiger Post.
Follow the Wolves on social media throughout the day for updates from across the region. Photos from the weekend will also be posted to nsuwolves.com on Sunday.
**Proclamation picture attached with the Mayor of Aberdeen Mike Levsen