WVU Athletics to honor diversity at ‘iBelong’ women’s basketball game

What’s the news?

West Virginia University Athletics will celebrate diversity and inclusion at the second annual “iBelong” game, which will welcome people who may have felt excluded from sporting events for a variety of reasons. The “iBelong” game will be held at the women’s basketball game vs. Oklahoma at the WVU Coliseum Saturday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. Participants will receive an “I Belong” t-shirt and free admission to the game for themselves and their families and friends. Gates will open at 2:30 p.m. featuring booths with activities, informational sheets and giveaways. 

Quotes and Comments:

“I’m proud of Coach Mike Carey and his program’s efforts in working with the University and the community in sponsoring this event. It was great to see their ideas come to fruition in the inaugural event last season, and I look forward to this year’s I Belong Game against Oklahoma.” – Shane Lyons, Director of Athletics

“We’re thrilled with the turnout at last year’s event and hope to see everyone again. We’re proud to be a part of an event like this, and as someone who’s from West Virginia, I think it’s a great way to showcase the people of this state and this city. It was a great atmosphere in 2018 and I hope we can repeat that for years to come.” – Mike Carey, WVU Women’s Basketball Coach

“We value the beauty of diversity on our campus, on our athletic fields/courts and most importantly in our communities. Here at WVU, we are proud of our student athletes and the iBelong campaign is a big win for our campus. We look forward to people joining us as we cheer on our amazing women’s basketball team.” – Meshea Poore, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

“So often we hear that people of a different race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. didn’t know if they should attend a sporting event.  We have chosen to use our platform in athletics to engage the community to eliminate these stereotypes and educate the community of the different races, cultures and religions right here in Morgantown. Our “iBelong” event brings all of this together.” – Patrick Biondo, Director of Basketball Operations/Asst. to the Head Coach 

Resources:

PHOTOS, VIDEOS, MORE INFORMATION: iBelong day: a celebration of diversity and inclusion

Target Audience:

Athletes

Basketball fans

Student organizations

People interested in issues of diversity, equity and inclusion

-WVU-

am/02/18/19

CONTACT: Ashley Bailey, Associate Director of Athletic Communications
304.293.2821; ashley.bailey@mail.wvu.edu  

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.