FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- September 3, 2004
CONTACT: Jason Mucher, Director of Athletic Communications (585) 567-9648

HOUGHTON INTRODUCES KIDS’ CLUB FOR YOUNG HIGHLANDER FANS

HOUGHTON, N.Y. – The Houghton College Athletic Department has created a new program for children that will introduce them to Highlander athletics in a fun and exciting way, while providing educational programming in sportsmanship and character development.

The Houghton College Champions of Character Kids’ Club – presented by the Houghton Campus Store – is open to children aged 13 and younger. Deb’s Place Family Restaurant, The Law Offices of Thomas Fuoco, and Community Bank, NA., are co-sponsors of the club.

In addition to offering an opportunity to meet and cheer on Houghton athletes, the club will introduce the kids to the NAIA’s Champions of Character program, an initiative designed to change the face of sports by encouraging athletes to follow the five core character values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership, and sportsmanship.

“We wanted to create a program that not only exposed these youngsters to the fun and excitement of college sports, but provided a venue for them to learn these important lessons on character development,” said Jason Mucher, director of athletic communications.

For just $12 a year, club members get annual benefits that include: an official Champions of Character Kids’ Club T-shirt, a membership card, free admission to all home men’s and women’s basketball games, coupons for free food items at men’s and women’s soccer and basketball games, a Kids’ Club Pizza and Wings Party at a home basketball game, complimentary media guides for the fall and winter seasons, a personalized Birthday Card (and recognition at a home event), and opportunities to be a part of the action as ballboy or ballgirl at soccer and basketball games.

Members also get a chance for huge summer camp discounts. They will receive points for every home men’s and women’s soccer and basketball game they attend. The five Kids’ Club members with the most points at the end of the year will be eligible for special prizes, including huge discounts off Houghton summer camps registrations. Members can win more points by bringing friends and family.

More information can be found at www.houghton.edu/sports/kids.htm or by contacting Jason Mucher at 585-567-9648 or jason.mucher@houghton.edu.

Houghton, founded by The Wesleyan Church in 1883, provides an academically challenging, Christ-centered education in the liberal arts and sciences to students from diverse traditions and economic backgrounds and equips them to lead and labor as scholar-servants in a changing world. The college of 1,300 students is located in Western New York, just 65 miles from Rochester and Buffalo.

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