NCAA Division II Soccer Tournament & MSU partner with Habitat for Humanity
INDIANAPOLIS--The NCAA Division II Men's and Women's Soccer Championships are partnering with the Greater Wichita Falls Chapter of Habitat for Humanity « and Midwestern State University to collect donations and build a storage unit for hurricane victims.
The build and fundraiser, which are part of the NCAA's "Home Team" partnership with Habitat for Humanity« International, are occurring at the site of the soccer championships in
.
Members of the Division II men's and women's soccer committee, student-athletes from Midwestern State University and volunteers are building a 10x10 storage unit to be donated with a house to a victim of Hurricane Katrina or Rita. Donations are being collected at each session of the championship.
"The students, faculty, and administration of
are pleased to once again host the NCAA Division II Soccer Championships. I am particularly pleased that our student-athletes are demonstrating their support for Habitat for Humanity«," said MSU President Jesse Rogers. "Soccer has a long and distinguished history at MSU. Habitat for Humanity« has a long and distinguished history as one of our nation's most noteworthy service organizations. MSU is proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity« in this worthy endeavor."
Mike Racy, NCAA Vice-President for Division II, added: "Community service and humanitarian activities play a significant part in the total development of Division II student-athletes by preparing them for life after intercollegiate athletics, and I am pleased that we are able to participate in these types of community events at NCAA national championships."
The shed construction is underway in the northwest corner of MSU Field. Work hours will be from each day until the project is completed before the scheduled start of the women's semifinal game Thursday. Media are welcome to visit during work hours. The structure will remain on site until the conclusion of the men's final on Sunday.
Donations to Habitat for Humanity« will be collected from fans at each game and a video describing Habitat for Humanity« will be shown at the Info Zone, an interactive display at the championship site that highlights details of the championship and the goals of the NCAA.
The "Home Team" partnership, announced in September, is raising funds and providing volunteer labor to assist with long-term rebuilding efforts in the hurricane-impacted areas of the
.
The partnership includes a $1 million lead gift from NCAA Division II and a matching gift of $500,000 from the NCAA national office. The NCAA will promote Habitat for Humanity« hurricane-rebuilding efforts at all 88 national championships through customized promotional plans.
The NCAA also will work with various Habitat for Humanity« programs to mobilize the NCAA's national Student-Athlete Advisory Committees in all three divisions and member coaching associations to help provide volunteer support to build houses with families in need of decent, affordable housing.
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