July 18, 2008

Several members of the South Carolina football team participated Friday in the 11th annual Pigskin Poets program that emphasizes the importance of summer reading. Held in the Bostick Auditorium of the Richland County Public Library (1431 Assembly Street), the Gamecocks read stories, played games and signed autographs for the children in attendance.

The program, now in its eleventh season, helps establish reading as a fun summer activity, encouraging children to explore the variety of books and nonprint materials available at the library.

Every year, student athletes from different athletic teams coordinate team 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.