September 1, 2005 
Contact: Cory Blackson, Sports Information Director

USA South Announces CAREs Plan

(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.) - USA South Athletic Conference Commissioner Rita Wiggs announced today a plan for the USA South to assist in the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.   The Conference will initiate a program called "USA South CAREs" (Caring Athletes Responding to Emergencies).

For this current hurricane emergency, each USA South student-athlete, coach, athletic trainer and administrator will be asked to donate at least $1.  Member institutions will then donate the money raised to the Red Cross, Salvation Army or a charity of their choice to assist with the hurricane relief.

Member institutions are planning additional relief fundraising at home athletic events such as collecting funds at home events and contributing proceeds from home gate receipts

"This disaster is of a mind-numbing magnitude," stated Commissioner Wiggs.  "We are committed to doing our small part in the efforts to give relief to our fellow citizens in the Gulf states."