Thursday, October 22nd will see the Niagara College department of Athletics & Recreation host the first annual Blue & White Home Opener at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre. The event will see the Niagara Knights men's and women's volleyball programs host the Fanshawe Falcons at 6:00pm and 8:00pm at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre.
Additional festivities will include Niagara College students showcasing their respective academic units, free Niagara Knights swag for all ticket holders, a 'power hour' in The CORE Student Centre, the Bench on the Go food truck, prizes giveaways, and ceremonies honouring the Knights 2014-15 CCAA and OCAA medalists.
"The Blue and White Home Opener is about bringing the campus community together to celebrate the best of Niagara College" said NC's director of athletics and recreation Matthew Davies. "We are truly excited to begin this new tradition, and look forward to cheering on some fantastic volleyball."
The Knights' 2014-15 OCAA and CCAA medalists will also be formally recognized in front of their home town friends and families. Lorelle Weavers of the Niagara College golf team will be presented with the 2014 Sport Niagara female athlete of the year award immediately prior to the women's game, while the 2014-15 men's and women's volleyball programs will be presented with gifts in honour of their respective medal winning seasons prior to the men's game at 8:00pm.
The Athletic Centre will also play host to hands on demonstrations by NC academic units including Fitness and Health Promotion, Recreation and Leisure Services and Recreation Therapy, Sport Management, Personal Support Worker and Nursing, Dental Hygeine, and Paramedic.
The Centre for Student Engagement and Leadership will be operating a social media hub and will be awarding a GoPro camera to one lucky student that is registered for NC's Get Involved Portal. Niagara College's SAC team will be on hand, and will host a 'power hour' in the CORE leading up to the event, will be giving away free popcorn, and operating a face painting booth. SAC will also be awarding a Beats Pill speaker and a $150 Visa gift card to the winners of two dance competitions being hosted by students from the Recreation and Leisure Services and Recreational Therapy programs. NC's Office of Sustainability will also be onsite operating a hydration station for all patrons in attendance.
During the event Fitness and Health Promotion students will be hosting in-game trivia challenges, and grip strength and push up challenges that will see attendees given the chance to win a variety prizes.
"The Student Administrative council is excited to participate in such an outstanding event that really promotes the Knights culture across the entire campus community" said Niagara College Student Administrative Council President Shane Malcolm. "It's going to be amazing to see everyone coming together to celebrate what the Knights mean to the Niagara College."
Applied learning opportunities during the event will include NC's Police Foundations students who will assist with crowd control, Broadcasting students that will be livestreaming the event through www.goknights.ca, and the Canadian Food and Wine Institute's 'Bench on the Go' foodtruck.
"We are excited that the Blue & White Home Opener is finally here" said Mike Puillandre, communications and events coordinator for the Niagara College department of athletics and recreation. "With the help of all of our campus partners, the event has secured some fantastic prizes. We will also be giving away Knights toques, t-shirts, tank tops, cowbells, and rally towels to everyone who comes out and celebrates with us."
Tickets for the nearly sold out event can be purchased/picked up in advance, or at the door of the Welland Campus Athletic Centre for $5.00 (admission is free for all Niagara College students or those under the age of 17). Those looking to secure advanced tickets or bring a group to the event are encouraged to contact Mike Puillandre at 905-735-2211 ex: 7681 or mpuillandre@niagaracollege.ca.
