HOUGHTON
RECOGNIZED AS CHAMPIONS OF CHARACTER INSTITUTION
OLATHE, Kan.
- The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has
recognized Houghton College as one of 154
Champions of Character
institutions for the 2004-2005 school year.
Champions of
Character
member institutions continue to embrace the program by promoting or
implementing activities related to the five core character values of the
initiative. The program is now in its fifth year, and Houghton is one of
approximately 80 schools to be recognized each year for their commitment
to the Champions of
Character program in and around their campuses.
"The NAIA
strongly believes that character cannot be left to chance and has
actively challenged member institutions to intentionally teach the five
core character values highlighted throughout the
Champions of Character
program," said NAIA Director of
Champions of Character
Initiatives Rob Miller. "These 154 recognized
Champions of Character
institutions incorporate the program and message throughout their
athletics programs in effort to change the culture of sports on campus
and in their local communities."
Introduced in
2000, the nationally recognized
Champions of Character
program seeks to create environments in which student-athletes, youth,
parents, coaches, officials and spectators are committed to and
understand the true spirit of competition through respect,
responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship.
In addition
to designated Champions of
Character institutions the NAIA has developed 24 Program
Centers across the country. Program Centers coordinate community
outreach activities that integrate with existing institutional
initiatives and fit the specific needs of the local community. In
developing local outreach efforts, each Program Center has at its
disposal a range of educational publications, programs and resources
available from the NAIA national office.
Houghton was
one of 13 institutions initially chosen by the NAIA to serve as Program
Centers.
Houghton
coaches and student-athletes are working directly with youth
organizations, schools, and civic groups to educate, promote and
incorporate the character values in the daily activities of youth and
adults. Among other outreach efforts, Houghton has initiated the
Allegany County Champions of Character Student-Athlete Awards, honoring
local high school athletes who best exemplify these character traits.
For the list
of 154 Champions of
Character institutions visit
http://naia.collegesports.com/champions-character/news/2004-05ChampionsofCharacterInstitutions.htm.
