University of Georgia Athletics
UGA Day Scheduled for Aug. 27 in Lithonia
August 24, 2011 | General
Aug. 24, 2011
ATHENS, Ga. -The University of Georgia Athletic Association is partnering with the DeKalb County School System, the DeKalb County Police Athletic League and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia to present "UGA Day - Learn, Play, Excel" on Saturday, Aug. 27 at Miller Grove High School in Lithonia, Ga., between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Elementary school students will enjoy presentations that focus on education, leadership, anti-bullying and the values of sports participation at a rally with UGA coaches and student-athletes, including head men's basketball coach Mark Fox and head women's basketball coach Andy Landers.
"The DeKalb County Police Athletic League recognizes our youth face a number of challenges inside and outside of the classroom," said Police Chief William O'Brien. "This partnership with UGA and the DeKalb County School System is an excellent venture that allows us as a community to help motivate students to excel academically. Together we can continue to provide positive role models that encourage youngsters to use good judgment and be leaders amongst their peers."
Part of an overall initiative for community outreach in the Metro-Atlanta area, University of Georgia's Executive Associate Athletic Director Dr. Carla Williams hopes to promote the importance of education and the University to the DeKalb County school children.
"Through this initiative, we can impact the community and promote UGA at the same time. We hope to impact the children and get them thinking about the University of Georgia as a first choice when it's time for them to consider a college," she said.
Selected students were invited from a total of 86 elementary schools. UGA Day is part of an overall initiative of outreach and engagement for Metro Atlanta that began in May when billboards featuring recent Georgia graduates were put up within the Metro Atlanta-area. In July, elementary school principals, University officials, and alumni were invited to a panel discussion at Paschal's restaurant that focused on promoting education and the University of Georgia.
