UND supports cancer research with Feb. 18 Play 4Kay game

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The community is invited to the University of North Dakota’s Play 4Kay game on Thursday, Feb. 18 vs. Weber State, with proceeds directly supporting women’s cancer research through the Kay Yow Cancer Fund®. The community can also donate on behalf of UND at http://bit.ly/Donate2CancerResearch.

The team will wear pink accessories during the game and fans are encouraged to wear pink to show their support and take part in the activities to raise money for cancer research.

The annual Play 4Kay initiative provides coaches and student athletes around the country the opportunity to “come together as one” to raise awareness for breast cancer research on the court, in their communities and beyond.

Throughout February, high schools, universities and local organizations are  dedicated to raise funds and awareness to support the Kay Yow Cancer Fund’s (KYCF), mission of supporting scientific research focused on women’s cancers, as well as projects assisting the underserved community.

In her 34-year tenure at North Carolina State University, the late Kay Yow became the first coach to win two Olympic gold medals, guided her teams to 20 NCAA Tournaments, and was inducted into 11 Halls of Fame. However, Coach Yow’s legacy in the community extends far beyond the basketball court. Yow founded the Kay Yow Cancer Fund in 2007 before passing away in 2009 after her 22-year battle with breast cancer.

Coach Yow’s passion and leadership served as the catalyst for Play 4Kay, the KYCF’s flagship fundraising initiative. Since its inception, the Play 4Kay program has raised more than $5.28 million to support women's cancer research.

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.Play4Kay.org.     

U.S. Bank Stadium to Host Flag Football Tournament

Minneapolis, MN—May 13, 2016— Ever dream of playing football in an NFL stadium?  How about at the brand-new home of the Minnesota Vikings?

Your dream can become a reality and it won’t even require a set of football pads or helmet to participate.  Minnesota Touch of Football presented by UnitedHealth Group will be the first charity event to take over the new U.S. Bank Stadium.  The event benefits the Minnesota Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding cures for digestive diseases. 

The event, hosted on Saturday, September 10, is a one-day, 7-on-7 flag football tournament.  Online registration opens to the general public at www.ccfa.org/football on Friday, May 13 and is limited to the first thirty-three teams.  Each team is guaranteed three games with both recreational and competitive divisions available.  Professional referees will officiate the games and prizes will be awarded to the champions of each division as well as the top fundraising team and individual.  All participants will receive a game-day shirt, complimentary lunch and access to an exclusive behind-the-scenes stadium tour. 

“We are literally rolling out the green carpet for this event and there’s no better way to experience the new stadium before the Vikings’ home opener,” said Eric Grenz, Construction Executive at Mortenson and volunteer event committee member.

The day’s festivities will kickoff with early round games and opening ceremonies hosted by WCCO’s Jason DeRusha.  After pool-play is complete in the morning rounds, athletes will enjoy an authentic stadium lunch experience while watching a “halftime” celebrity game featuring former Vikings players, ESPN radio talent, local media personalities and more. 

Players and spectators will have the opportunity to experience the 1500ESPN FanZone complete with kids football competitions, Vikings cheerleaders, crafts, games and more.  Spectator tickets are available online at www.ccfa.org/football and include options for exclusive stadium tours and a VIP lunch experience. 

The tournament is expected to sell out quickly.  Teams may register at no-cost and commit to raising $3,500 or $250 per person for a team of up to 14 players.  Corporate teams are available starting at $5,000.  All proceeds benefit CCFA, the leading non-profit on a mission to cure digestive diseases. 

“We are extremely excited to host this new charity event in the heart of Minneapolis, knowing the funds raised will have an immediate impact on the work we do at CCFA to one day find a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis,” says Aaron Castens, Executive Director of the Minnesota Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America.  

The event is made possible by generous support from UnitedHealth Group, Mortenson, Minnesota Vikings, Lucid Integrated Systems, 1500ESPN, Minnesota Flag Football League, Refresh Fitness Retreats, APi Group, Minnesota Gastroenterology, PA, Fairview Specialty Pharmacy, Health Partners Gastroenterology, Northland Concrete & Masonry, Ames Construction, and Egan.   

For more event information visit:  www.ccfa.org/football or follow the event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/1081435548546623/ or contact Aaron Castens of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation at acastens@ccfa.org or 646-750-7100.

Timberwolves Karl-Anthony Towns Announces Inaugural Shoe Drive

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Karl-Anthony Towns today announced that he has partnered with The Salvation Army to host a shoe drive to help those in need of new shoes. Beginning today and ending on Friday, January 29, Towns is inviting all fans to bring new and unused shoes to the Target Center Box Office.

"Many people are in need of new shoes,” said Towns. “With the support of The Salvation Army and Wolves fans, I’m hoping we can make a difference by supplying new shoes to those in need of a new pair of shoes this winter.”

As a thank you to those who donate, Towns will be supplying tickets to the Timberwolves' Feb. 8 game vs. the New Orleans Pelicans and the Feb. 22 game vs. the Boston Celtics. Fans will receive a voucher redeemable for two tickets to one of these games for each pair of new and unused shoes they donate (first come, first served basis while supplies last). Towns and The Salvation Army will be accepting new and unused shoe donations at the Target Center Box Office at 600 First Avenue North, Minneapolis, through Friday, January 29.

NDSU's Richman to Coach Barefoot for Samaritan’s Feet Thursday Night

FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota State University head men’s basketball coach David Richman will coach barefoot during Thursday night’s game against IUPUI at Scheels Arena in an effort to publicize Samaritan’s Feet and call awareness to the needs of children around the world who go without proper shoes.

These efforts will help raise awareness and funds for the “2015 North Dakota Back to School” campaign with Samaritan’s Feet. The goal of this campaign is to raise enough funds to serve at least 2,015 children in North Dakota this summer with new shoes, socks, a back pack with school supplies, and encouragement from their community. One of these shoe distribution events will be held in Fargo.

To support Coach Richman’s fundraising efforts and the 2015 North Dakota Back to School campaign, go to www.SamaritansFeet.org/CoachRichmanBarefoot2015.

NDSU’s opponent Thursday night, IUPUI, had the first “Barefoot Coach” when former men’s basketball head coach Ron Hunter went barefoot for Samaritan’s Feet in 2008.

The 2014 North Dakota Back to School campaign funds went to help put shoes on the feet of local children through events in Fargo, Bismarck, Devils Lake and Grand Forks. In 2014, with help from Fellowship of Christian Athletes - North Dakota, over 50 coaches representing 20 schools in North Dakota participated in the barefoot coaching platform and raised over $11,500 which was applied to providing shoes to hundreds of children across the state.

The Bison are tied with South Dakota State in first place in the Summit League standings with three games remaining. Thursday’s game begins at 7 p.m.

T-Wolves Kevin Love Announces Sixth Annual Coat Drive

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love today announced that he has once again partnered with The Salvation Army to host a coat drive to help those in need this winter. Beginning today and ending on Dec. 18, Love is inviting all fans to bring new and gently used coats to the Target Center Box Office.

Love will personally deliver all donations to The Salvation Army on Dec. 17, and remind fans that there is one more day to contribute to the coat drive.

"Cold weather is here and many people are in need of winter coats," Love said. "With the support of The Salvation Army and Wolves fans, we can make a difference again this winter for those in need."

As a thank you to those who donate, Love has purchased tickets to the Timberwolves' Jan. 1 game vs. the New Orleans Pelicans and the Jan. 8 game vs. the Phoenix Suns. Fans will receive a pair of tickets to one of these games for each coat they donate (limit four tickets per family on a first come, first served basis while supplies last).

To support his Coat Drive and encourage donations, Love will hold a public meet-and-greet in early December. Details on the date and location of the appearance will be released soon. Fans can follow the hashtag #SpreadLove on Twitter to stay updated on the latest information and news on the coat drive and future Love appearances. 
This year’s coat drive is off to a record start with the Hope for the City organization donating 2,500 coats in October.  

T-Wolves rookie Derrick Williams to participate in NBA Cares Special Olympics

Exhibition Game Part of 2012 All-Star Weekend Festivities
Minneapolis/St. Paul – The NBA and Special Olympics today announced the first-ever NBA Cares Special Olympics Unity Sports Basketball Game which will take place as part of the 2012 NBA All-Star weekend festivities in Orlando and will feature Timberwolves rookie forward Derrick Williams. With support from The Coca-Cola Company, the game will tip off on Center Court at NBA All-Star Jam Session on Sunday, Feb. 26, and will feature 12 Special Olympics athletes from across the country, along with NBA Legends Chris Mullin, Clyde Drexler and Dikembe Mutombo, current WNBA players, and celebrities. In addition to Williams, NBA players Kevin Durant and Kemba Walker will also participate in the game.

The exhibition game will combine athletes with and without intellectual disabilities as teammates to showcase the power of Special Olympics’ Unified Sports® program, which helps unite communities and foster an environment of acceptance and inclusion. In addition, as part of the NBA Cares All-Star Community Caravan, NBA/WNBA legends and players will host a clinic for local Special Olympics athletes at Jam Session immediately following the game.

"I'm honored to be joining these incredible Special Olympic athletes for the inaugural Unity Game," said Williams, who will be participating in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge on Feb. 24. "I looking forward to participating in All-Star Weekend and this event will make it even more memorable."

“The NBA is excited to expand our longtime partnership with Special Olympics by hosting the Unity Sports basketball game as part of our NBA All-Star festivities,” said NBA Senior Vice President of Community Relations Todd Jacobson. “The NBA Cares Special Olympics Unity Sports Basketball Game is about having fun, promoting fitness and bringing people together.”

“We are proud to have this unique opportunity to show the world the incredible talents of our Special Olympics athletes, playing alongside basketball legends from the NBA and WNBA,” said Peter Wheeler, Special Olympics’ Chief Officer of Strategic Properties. “This is another great moment in our long-standing partnership with the NBA and we hope that this Unity Sports basketball game shows NBA fans the power of sports to unite us all.”

NBA Cares Special Olympics Unity Sports Basketball Game roster:

East West
Marc Campbell, ON Jesse Burnett, CO
Keyuana Davis, FL Jackie Buxton, OR
Kerri Gilroy, MA Steve Lynn, OK
Rickie Kelly, WI Anthony Nunn, MN
Andre Larry, FL Sean Vigil, UT
Tony Payne, TN Jennifer Wardlow, NC

These 12 Special Olympics athletes and their families will be treated to an unforgettable NBA All-Star experience including dinner with an NBA legend, in-arena recognition at NBA All-Star Saturday Night presented by State Farm, and tickets to the NBA All-Star Game.

The NBA’s global partnership with Special Olympics began more than 30 years ago when the league helped to introduce basketball as a new sport to the organization. The NBA has since provided sponsorship to Special Olympics basketball tournaments, created public service announcements featuring NBA players, and participated in major Special Olympics events. In addition, the NBA's Basketball without Borders program has featured international clinics for Special Olympics athletes in China, Puerto Rico, Russia, France, Greece, Italy, Brazil, Spain, and Mexico.

“Play 4 Kay” Night on Friday, Feb 3 at UMC Women’s and Men’s Games

(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston’s (UMC) Athletic Department announced today that Friday, February 3 will be “Play 4 Kay” Night at the Golden Eagle Women’s and Men’s Basketball games at Lysaker Gymnasium. The Golden Eagles will take on the University of Mary at 6 & 8 p.m.

Fans who wear pink to the games will be entered for chances to win great prizes. If you don’t have pink apparel, pink t-shirts will be sold at the games for $10 so everyone can be entered into the drawings. In addition, all fans have the opportunity to be one of three contestants to take part in a $100 half court shot competition courtesy of the NCAA CHOICES grant.

The WBCA Pink Zone is being rebranded as Play 4Kay for February 2012. The mission of the initiative, which was brought to life in 2007, will remain intact: a nation of coaches raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund will continue to be the official charity of the initiative.

The justification behind the rebranding is to keep the story and legacy of Kay Yow at the forefront of everything the Fund commits itself to. Coach Yow's third recurrence of breast cancer in 2006 was the catalyst to the WBCA Pink Zone. Before her passing on January 24, 2009, Coach Yow, along with her teammates the WBCA and The V Foundation, achieved the feat of uniting thousands in the fight against women's cancers and since then the movement continues to grow and change lives each and every year during the month of February. (From http://www.kayyow.com/Play4Kay)

The Golden Eagle Basketball teams return to Lysaker Gymnasium on Saturday, February 4 to host Northern State University. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 & 6 p.m.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

Follow the Golden Eagles on Facebook at Golden Eagle Sports and on Twitter at @UMCAthletics.

6th Annual Cops and Kids Hockey Game

On Sunday January 22nd, at the Moorhead Sports Center, the Moorhead Police Department will proudly host the 6th annual Cops and Kids hockey game. The evening will consist of a 5:30 pm game against boys and girls from the PeeWee, Bantam and U-12 teams. The “Kids” team will be coached by Moorhead High boy’s hockey captains.

The purpose of the event is to promote positive interaction with community youth and local law enforcement. Admission is free courtesy of Moorhead Public Service. There will be a silent auction for autographed sports memorabilia, including a team autographed UND Fighting Sioux jersey, and a raffle for prizes donated by area businesses. There will also be a free drawing for all youth in attendance for an autographed John Lee stick and a Fargo Force jersey. All money raised will be donated to the Moorhead Youth Hockey Association and the Moorhead Police Explorer Post.

Please feel free to contact Officer Scott Kostohryz at 218-790-4128 or scott.kostohryz@moorheadpolice.com if you have any questions about this event.

Bemidji State Teddy Bear Toss to be held Dec. 10

BEMIDJI, Minn. -- The Bemidji State University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) will host its annual Teddy Bear Toss in conjunction with its hat and mitten drive at BSU men’s and women’s hockey games Dec. 9-10.

Fans are encouraged to bring teddy bears or other stuffed animals, preferably new but used in good condition will also be accepted, wrapped in a clear plastic bag, to the men’s and women’s hockey games Dec. 10. When the Beavers score their first goal of each game, those in attendance will have an opportunity to toss their teddy bear donation(s) onto the Sanford Center ice.

Bemidji State athletics faithful are also encouraged to bring winter hats, mittens, gloves and/or other cold weather gear to contribute to at the main gate as they enter men’s or women’s hockey games at the Sanford Center Both Dec. 9 and Dec. 10.

All items collected will go directly to local charities and will be distributed to children and Bemidji area residents in need this holiday season.

SAAC is comprised of student-athlete leaders from each of BSU’s 15 varsity athletic programs. In addition to the Teddy Bear Toss and Hat and Mitten Drive, the organization plans several other civic-minded projects throughout the year as well as being a student-athlete voice within the structure of the NCAA and Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).

MN Lynx to wear pink uniforms in support of Breast Health Awareness on Aug 2

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL -- The Minnesota Lynx today announced their August 2 matchup with the Phoenix Mercury will be Breast Health Awareness Night, sponsored by Deuce Brand. In support of breast health awareness, the Lynx will wear pink jerseys, shorts, sweat bands and shoes. After the game the players will auction off their jerseys worn that night, with proceeds going to the Lynx Foundation, which supports breast cancer research and support programs in the state of Minnesota. The first 2,000 fans to enter Target Center will receive a commemorative pink rally towel.

"The Breast Health Awareness game is annually one of our most significant events of the season," Lynx Chief Operating Officer Conrad Smith said. "Next Tuesday will present a great opportunity for our fans to bid on some unique game-worn items, with the money raised going to support breast cancer research. It’s wonderful to work with tremendous partners in Deuce Brand and Susan G. Komen as we collaborate on our mission of raising money for this worthy cause."

In addition to the pink rally towels, the first 1,000 fans to enter Target Center that night will receive a Deuce Brand watch and a commemorative pink rally towel. Special breast health awareness Lynx watches will be on sale Aug. 1 for $30 on deucebrand.com with $3 of the proceeds going to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Lynx team-specific watches will be available for purchase on deucebrand.com at the end of August.

Throughout the game the Lynx will be raising awareness and support for breast cancer research and the search for a cure. The Lynx will honor breast cancer survivors on the court during the pre-game ball exchange, as well as a survivor with a special on-court presentation during the game. A grant will also be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Minnesota Affiliate.

Tuesday’s game is a part of the WNBA's Breast Health Awareness Week, which takes place from August 2 to 9. For 13 years, the program has focused on generating awareness and educating women about breast cancer in addition to raising funds for the initiative. During that time, the WNBA and its teams have raised more than $2 million to aid in the fight against breast cancer.

In honor of Breast Health Awareness Night, the Lynx are offering three special ticket packages for fans interested in attendi ng. The VIP Package offers tickets in rows one through four, valued at $60, for $45. The Platinum Package includes seats in rows five through 14 for just $30, while the Value Package is just $15 and applies to any ticket above row 15. The first 50 orders of four or more tickets will also receive a Deuce Brand watch. A portion of all ticket proceeds will benefit the Lynx Foundation.

To purchase any of these great packages for Breast Health Awareness Night, either contact the Minnesota Lynx ticket office by phone at 612-673-8400, send an email to tickets@lynxbasketball.com, visit the Target Center box office or go to the Lynx website at www.lynxbasketball.com.

'Catwalk for a Cure' Event in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL -- Lynx players will trade in their high tops and basketball uniforms for high heels and dresses on Friday, August 5 at the third annual "Catwalk for a Cure" event. The event, held from 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the Nordstrom Court of the Mall of America, will raise money for the Lynx Foundation, which supports breast cancer research and support programs in the state of Minnesota.

“Breast health awareness is a cause that not only is near and dear to everyone’s heart, but it is an initiative that the Minnesota Lynx o rganization and the WNBA have embraced wholeheartedly,” said Conrad Smith, Lynx Chief Operating Officer. "This event offers our fans a chance to see the players' personalities shine, all for a great cause. We are proud to once again host this unique event that furthers our mission to raise funds in support of breast cancer education and awareness in the state of Minnesota."

From 5:00 – 8:30 p.m., the Lynx will transform the Nordstrom Court of the Mall of America into a fashion show, featuring Lynx players and head coach Cheryl Reeve hitting the runway as they model the latest styles from some of the trendiest stores in Minneapolis. Before the fashion show, which kicks off at 7:00 pm, the Sky Deck Sports Grille & Lanes will be open for bowling and dinner from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The fashion show will begin at 7:00 p.m. and last until 8:00 p.m. Throughout the night, guests will be able to bid on memorabilia, experiences and gift cards at a silent auction. Items up for bid include pink Lynx uniforms, shoes and other team items – all proceeds will go to benefit the Lynx Foundation. The night will conclude with a grant presentation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Minnesota Affiliate.

For just $50 -- $45 for season ticket holders -- fans can purchase a VIP ticket package that includes dinner and bowling at the Sky Deck Sports Grille & Lanes. After the show, VIPs will be able to get autographs with the players and coaches during a private meet-and-greet. VIPs will also receive a gift bag featuring exclusive coupons, a commemorative autographed team print and other Lynx memorabilia.

"Catwalk for a Cure" is a part of the WNBA's Breast Health Awareness Week, which takes place from August 2 to 9. For 13 years, the program has focused on generating awareness and educating women about breast cancer in addition to raising funds for the initiative. During that time, the WNBA and its teams have raised more than $2 million to aid in the fight against breast cancer.

To purchase a VIP ticket to the Catwalk for a Cure event, contact Amanda Collins via phone at 612-673-1681 or on email at collins@lynxbasketball.com. All proceeds will go to benefit the Lynx Foundation.

6th Annual Dragon Fire Walk for Athletics in April

The Minnesota State University Moorhead Athletics Department announced Thursday that the 6th annual Dragon Fire Walk for Athletics is scheduled for April 15-16, 2011.

The annual event will again benefit the Dragon Athletics scholarships general fund. This two-day event has become a feature celebration for friends, supporters and alumni of MSUM.

Dragon Fire Walk supporters can participate by creating or joining a team, registering for one of four competitive races, signing up for the Walk or donating to the scholarship fun.

The 2011 Walk Leaders are alumni Dr. John Haugo and Kerstin Kealy, and the 2010 Student-Athletes of the Year, Anthony Enyi and Ann Gusewelle.

Haugo, a 1957 graduate of MSUM and a member of the Dragon Hall of Fame, also received Distinguished Alumni Awards from MSUM, University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. Haugo and his wife, Sharon, reside in Hudson, Wis. and Green Valley, Ariz. They have three children and seven grandchildren.

“Having been away from the University for nearly 50 years, it is certainly interesting, refreshing, and inspiring to participate with alumni, students, faculty and coaches in this particular activity,” Haugo said. “I have been impressed with the commitment of President Edna Szymanski and Athletics Director Doug Peters. They are certainly doing all within their resource constraints to offer successful programs.”

Kealy, a 1997 graduate of MSUM, is co-anchor and producer of the 6 and 10 p.m. news for WDAY-TV in Fargo. Originally from Buffalo, Minn., Kealy was drawn to MSUM because of its broadcasting program and the opportunity to play softball.

“We enjoy going to the Dragon games and have enjoyed watching their successes,” Kealy said. “Being part of the Dragon Fire Walk is something little we can do to give back and help feel like we're part of the team and part of the MSUM community; it's great to have the chance to give these student-athletes a better shot at a great college career.”

Enyi, the 2010 Male Student-Athlete of the Year and a senior on the Dragon track and field team, is double majoring in Biology and Exercise Science with a pre-med health and medical emphasis.

“The donations people make in terms of scholarships to our Athletics Department and our athletes, goes a long way,” Enyi said. “These scholarships will allow student-athletes to focus more on school than work, and I know firsthand how much that benefits athletes."

Gusewelle, the 2010 Female Student-Athlete of the Year, was a four-year participant on the Dragon swimming and diving team. A four-time qualifier for the NCAA DII National Championship meet and three-time All-American, is currently training to qualify for the Olympics.

“My time at MSUM was an amazing experience, I wouldn't trade it for the world,” Gusewelle said. “The Dragon Fire Walk is a chance for us to build scholarships to give to these exceptional student-athletes who want to continue their athletic careers.”

The event will kick-off Friday, April 15 at Alex Nemzek Fieldhouse with a pasta dinner at 5 p.m. and the Opening Ceremonies at 6. The ceremonial walk and various forms of entertainment and activities, including a silent auction with door prizes, will also take place throughout the evening.

On Saturday morning the event continues with four races and a non-competitive walk. The races include a 5K, 10K, Dragon 10-Mile and the new Dragon 10-Mile Relay. The non-competitive walk will follow the 5K course.

A breakfast of champions is scheduled for Saturday morning, April 16. Race activities are set to begin at 9 a.m.

The Scorch's Kids Club Youth Fun Run and Youth Activity Area for young Dragons will return as well.

The afternoon events include lunch at the Dragon Grill and an Alumni Social gathering with family and friends.

“I believe that excellence cannot be achieved by a single person,” Athletics Director Doug Peters said. “For every individual or organization who has accomplished excellence, there is a network of support behind them. Dragon Athletics is no different and the Dragon Fire Walk for Athletics exemplifies this belief.”

“I encourage you to support our Dragon student-athletes by participating in the events, making a donation, and asking others to do the same.”

So get Ready…get Set… and register or donate today at www.dragonwalk.com! We invite you to create or join a team and be entered to win prizes for raising the most money. All funds raised by this event will benefit Dragon Athletic scholarships.

UMC SAAC to Host Fundraiser for the Crookston Area Special Olympics

(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston’s Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) is sponsoring a fundraiser for the Crookston Area Special Olympics basketball team on February 15th at 5:30 p.m. in Lysaker Gymnasium on the UMC campus. All proceeds raised will go towards the Crookston Area Special Olympics.

The event will consist of two 15 minute basketball games. In the first game, the Crookston Area Special Olympics basketball team will face a team of UMC student-athletes. In the second game, the Crookston Area Special Olympics basketball team will face the UMC Coaches and members of the Crookston community. There will be promotional games and giveaways throughout the duration of the event including a dunk contest with the UMC men’s basketball team. Admission is free and all proceeds from the event will be donated back to the Crookston Area Special Olympics.

SAAC is a group of UMC student-athletes that meet bi-monthly to discuss athletic and campus related issues and events. They also conduct several community service projects throughout the school year. There are two student-athletes from each athletic team on the UMC campus that are represented in SAAC.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics Web site at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

Bemidji State Teddy Bear Toss to be held Dec. 4

BEMIDJI, Minn. -- The Bemidji State University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) will host its annual Teddy Bear Toss Saturday in conjunction with its hat and mitten drive at all BSU athletic events Dec. 3-4.

Fans are encouraged to bring teddy bears or other stuffed animals, preferably new but used in good condition will also be accepted, wrapped in a clear plastic bag, to the men’s and women’s hockey games Saturday. When the Beavers score their first goal of each game, those in attendance will have an opportunity to toss their teddy bear and/or stuffed animal donation(s) onto the ice. The items collected will go directly to Bemidji Law Enforcement officials and will be distributed to children in the Bemidji area this holiday season.

Bemidji State athletics faithful are also encouraged to bring winter hats, mittens, gloves and/or other cold weather gear to contribute to at the main gate as they enter men’s or women’s hockey games at the Bemidji Regional Event Center or the BSU Gymnasium for the men’s and women’s basketball games this weekend. Items collected will be directed to the St. Phillip’s Catholic Church Outreach Program and disseminated to families in need this holiday season.