Canadian University Press Releases/Newswire

Source: Wilfrid Laurier University
http://www.wlu.ca/news_update.php?grp_id=28&nws_id=2649&filter_type=update

New program helps student-athletes get support from home

October 27, 2006

It takes more than determination and talent to build championship-winning teams. It takes the support of family, friends and hometown fans. Today, Laurier Athletics and Annual Giving announced the launch of their new peer-to-peer electronic solicitation system for Laurier’s already successful Adopt-A-Hawk program. This system, only the second of its kind in Canada, makes it quicker and easier for student-athletes to get information about the program to their families and communities.

"We believe that this tool will have a dramatic impact on each team’s ability to help fund those things that are above and beyond their annual operating budget," said Peter Baxter, Laurier’s director of athletics and recreation. "This is what separates the Laurier Golden Hawks from other universities’ athletics programs." Funds raised through the Adopt-A-Hawk program support out-of-province exhibition play, additional training and coaching resources, and enhanced equipment and facilities.

"In addition to helping the Golden Hawks stay competitive at the highest level in interuniversity sport, the program allows donors to support their favourite team and honour a specific athlete or athletes," said Baxter.

The new peer-to-peer system takes the Adopt-A-Hawk program to new heights by enabling our athletes to send requests for support via email to their family, friends, community business leaders and other contacts. A personal message from a player gives his or her "fans" a link to the athlete’s personal Adopt-A-Hawk page. The page provides a player photo, a detailed sport biography and current performance statistics, as well as links to awards received and articles written about the athlete. And, with the push of a button, viewers can send a donation to support that athlete’s team.

Chris Di Ubaldo is one player who’s taking full advantage of the new system to generate support for Laurier athletics. "In 25 minutes, I sent out 10 emails to my family, friends and neighbours back home in Winnipeg." A forward on the men’s hockey team and a former member of the soccer team, Chris says the system is quick and easy to use - and he doesn’t have to pay for long distance calls, an important consideration for a student. "I think you are going to see more athletes using it," he said.

The Adopt-A-Hawk program can also be accessed through the Laurier Athletics website or at www.wlu.ca/adoptahawk, where Laurier sports fans can search for an athlete by name or sport. It’s a fun, quick, easy and secure way to help your favourite Golden Hawk and team.

For more information about the Adopt-A-Hawk program, visit www.wlu.ca/adoptahawk.