March 22, 2005

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The D.A.R.E. program, Drug Abuse Resistance Education, is a part of many fifth grade classes around the Midlands. USC Student-Athletes have come to the aid of School Resource Officers in Richland County to celebrate the accomplishments of these elementary school students. They are transitioning into middle school and will be faced with many challenges regarding drugs, to include smoking, alcohol, and violence. Members of the Athletics Department’s “CHOICES Team” have been engaged in D.A.R.E. graduation programs this year. Speakers have included Chris Hampton and Jeremy Burgess of the Football Team, Stephen McDowell of Men’s Basketball and Terry Dozier, USC Athletics Career Development Program Coordinator.

The CHAMPS/Life Skills program supports community outreach efforts through “Team Gamecocks.” Every year, student athletes from all athletic teams coordinate projects by taking responsibility to serve as goodwill ambassadors not only for their respective programs, but also for the Athletics Department and the University of South Carolina as a whole. In addition, a number of student athletes elect to perform individual community service hours in a variety of areas. The University of South Carolina Athletics Department is committed to providing volunteer opportunities for student athletes to connect with people in the surrounding community. The greater Columbia community is invited to utilize members of Team Gamecocks to serve as role models and willing volunteers.

For more information on Team Gamecocks, please visit the website at uscsports.com or call (803) 777-9913.