“Assist to Score” Outreach Programs Partner OVU Men’s Basketball Team with Area Schools

School assemblies scheduled for this year include:

Friday, October 19th 2:00 p.m. at Fairplains Elementary School - Theme “Sportsmanship”
Wednesday, October 24th 8:00 a.m. at Jackson Jr. High - Theme“Drugs and Alcohol Awareness/Prevention” Wednesday, October 25th 11:00 a.m. at Blennerhassett Jr. High - Theme “Drugs and Alcohol Awareness/Prevention”

Beginning its third year, the program is designed to prepare students of all ages to “score a slam-dunk by being successful in academics, as well as life,” explained Bill McGee, OVU Head Men’s basketball coach. “It’s important that our student -athletes are actively involved with the community in which they live,” McGee said. “Therefore we established a pre- and post-season program that allows us to encourage area students to win in life, using basketball to capture their attention.”

McGee said area schools have been very receptive to the assemblies and are looking forward to hosting them again this year. Each assembly involves the entire school gathering for an hour-long program.

The OVU Fighting Scots men’s basketball team warms the crowd up with a fast-paced performance of skill and teamwork. Players and coaches then perform a series of skits, demonstrations and talks emphasizing a particular theme.

“We explain and demonstrate, through our talks and skits, just what it means to show sportsmanship and how it is an important attribute to have in life,” McGee said. “This year we are focusing on sportsmanship with the elementary schools. Remaining drug and alcohol free is our focus with the junior high schools. Next week has also been designated as Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31, 2007) by the junior high schools…these assemblies will compliment those subjects.”

Red Ribbon Week was established by Congress in 1988 to commemorate the work of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent, who was murdered in the line of duty. The Red Ribbon campaign promotes this belief and encourages a drug-free lifestyle and involvement in drug prevention efforts. National Family Partnership is the sponsor of the National Red Ribbon Week Celebration, which is now the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of young people.

Following the themed demonstrations and talks, the OVU programs conclude by incorporating the participation of students and faculty in activities such as slam-dunk and shooting contests.

Ohio Valley University also conducts a “Good Sports” Essay and Poster contest each year among local area high schools.

For more information about the Ohio Valley University men’s basketball program, or to arrange for an “Assist to Score” assembly, contact Bill McGee at 304-865-6136 or email bill.mcgee@ovu.edu .