Nassau and Hocking partner with RISE
Charlotte, NC - On Saturday, October 29, two nationally ranked NJCAA Division III Football programs will square off in a top-five matchup. No. 5 Hocking will travel to Garden City, NY, to face fourth-ranked Nassau. Despite the fierce competition that will begin with the 5:00 PM ET kickoff, the contest will be much more than a game as the two programs will join together for a pre-game Unity Workshop hosted by RISE. The workshop will focus on educating and empowering the student-athletes and coaches in the space of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Trained RISE facilitators will lead the workshop on Understanding Our Identities.
During the workshop, participants will reflect on the labels they use to define themselves and discuss why they do so. They will also be challenged to consider the multifaceted nature of their identities and which labels hold more importance to them. before having the opportunity to share their labels with others and discuss the importance of diversity.
Prior to kickoff, Hocking, Nassau, and fans in attendance will be invited to take the RISE Pledge to End Racism. The pledge will be jointly led by both team captains and is a public act that teams, schools, and leagues can take to demonstrate their commitment to racial justice and inclusion, and inspire fans and followers to do the same.
In December 2020, the NJCAA announced a partnership with RISE to educate and empower student-athletes, coaches, staff, and fans to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice, and improve race relations.
For more information, visit: risetowin.org
About RISE
RISE is a national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice, and improve race relations. Through partnerships and programs, RISE inspires leaders in sports to create positive change on matters of race and equality. RISE programs build skills and create safe spaces to have difficult conversations. RISE equips students, athletes, coaches, and administrators with the tools to be culturally competent, effective advocates for racial equity and leaders in addressing racism, prejudice, diversity, and inclusion. RISE's vision is to create a nation unified through sports committed to racial equity and social justice.
