September 2, 2005 
Contact: Cory Blackson, Sports Information Director

USA South Selected For The NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program

(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.) - USA South Athletic Conference Commissioner Rita Wiggs announced today that the USA South has been selected for inclusion in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) CHAMPS/Life Skills Program.  The USA South joins 513 campuses and conference offices nationwide participating in the program that is affecting thousands of student-athletes daily.  The NCAA feels the role of the conference office is important in the development of its member institutions' CHAMPS/Life Skills Programs.

The CHAMPS/Life Skills Program was developed by the NCAA Foundation to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience.  The mission of the CHAMPS programs is to provide opportunities for the personal development for each student-athlete based on his or her individual needs.  The focus of the program is on the individual a a whole person - academically, athletically and emotionally.  Through specific programs CHAMPS works to meet the changing needs of student-athletes while in college and in the years after graduation.

In 1994, after several years of development by the NCAA Foundation, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program was launched to the NCAA membership.  That summer 46 NCAA institutions participated in the first orientation for administrators from around the country.  Since then, approximately 50 member institutions have joined the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program each year.

Today, the NCAA Education Outreach staff oversees the development of the CHAMPS/Life Skills program, offering services, support and programs to participating institutions and conferences throughout the year.  The CHAMPS/Life Skills Program is supported through the promotional and financial efforts of the NCAA Foundation and the NCAA national office.