Clarksville, Ark.-For the third straight year, University of the Ozarks student-athletes celebrated National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division III Week by hosting a Field Day for local students from self-contained classrooms.

On Thursday (April 12), student-athletes participated in kickball, soccer, tennis and other games with the students. A craft table was also set up for the students. Following the games, the visiting students received awards during a special presentation ceremony. The students then ate lunch in the cafeteria provided by Aramark.

"It is awesome to experience this with the students," said Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President Layne Garcia. "This is fun for all of us. This is life-enhancing, that is the best way I can describe it."

"Seeing these kids be happy is an overwhelming feeling," said freshman cross country and track student-athlete Areli Moreno. "It is an amazing feeling to bring this to the community."   

The event was organized by Ozarks' Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Athletic Office Manager Lisa Thomas and Dr. Amy Oatis.



NCAA Division III Week is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with a Division III institution to observe and celebrate the impact athletics and student-athletes have on campus and in the surrounding community.