UK Observing National Student-Athlete Day Throughout April

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 6, 2016) — Hundreds of events around the nation in the coming days and weeks will mark the 29th annual National Student-Athlete Day, including activities sponsored by the University of Kentucky. Governor Matt Bevin also has issued a proclamation recognizing April 6, 2016, as National Student-Athlete Day in the state of Kentucky. UK Athletics will launch a series of events to mark the occasion:

· UK student-athletes will be participating in several mentor programs at various Fayette County elementary schools throughout the month of April.

· A public service announcement featuring UK student-athletes, head coaches and administrators will air on local news stations beginning this summer.     

· On April 27, a student-athlete appreciation table will be set up at the Center for Academic and Tutorial Services (CATS). 

National Student-Athlete Day honors student-athletes and the network of parents, coaches, teachers and school systems that make it possible for young people to strike a balance between academic and athletic achievement and who use sport as a vehicle for positive social change. The day, established by the National Consortium for Academics and Sports, is co-sponsored by the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and Northeastern University's Center for Sport in Society.

President Barack Obama has saluted those involved in National Student-Athlete Day activities. In an open letter acknowledging the day, he wrote, "A healthy balance between sports and academics is essential to ensuring that our students are prepared for the challenges of the future."

More information about National Student-Athlete Day is available at http://ncasports.org/programs/national-student-athlete-day/

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue

MEDIA CONTACTS:  Carl Nathe, (859)257-3200; Dustin Lewis, (859) 257-2762.