Clarksville, Ark.-The U of O athletic department will be hosting nearly 25 students from the Clarksville school district Friday as part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division III Week celebration.
    
A number of U of O student-athletics and coaches will participate in activities on campus with students from Clarksville's self-contained classrooms. The local students will have the opportunity to play games, eat lunch on campus and attend U of O's afternoon softball game. Each visiting student will receive a tee-shirt and a gift bag from U of O. The event, which was organized by the university's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Athletic Office Manager Lisa Thomas and professor Amy Oatis, will begin at 11:00 a.m.

"We look forward to our activity with these students on our campus," said U of O Athletic Director Jimmy Clark. "Our student-athletes are successful in the classroom and their respective sports, but they are also excellent role models and provide service to the community.  I know our athletes will really enjoy tomorrow. It has a positive impact on all involved. I appreciate the work Lisa and Amy have done to make this happen."

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. The event is part of Division III's Identity Initiative, which was introduced in 2010 to sharpen the division's identity and enable schools, conferences, and student-athletes to consistently explain why they prefer to compete in Division III. The initiative is guided by a strategic-positioning platform, describing Division III as a place where student-athletes can "follow your passions and develop your potential," through an approach that combines rigorous academics, competitive athletics and an opportunity to pursue other interests.

U of O student-athletes have rendered volunteer service this academic year with a variety of organizations, including the Salvation Army, Special Olympics and First Baptist Church of Clarksville.