Norcross, Ga. - The student-athletes from the participating teams of the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) will be conducting Champions of Character events in numerous Rome area schools. These events are a part of an NAIA initiative which promotes its Champion of Character program which embodies as its core principles: respect, responsibility, servant leadership, integrity, and sportsmanship. On Wednesday mid-day, March 3 and Thursday morning, March 4 the basketball players from SSAC will be conducting some clinics/character building sessions with area schools (locations participating to date are listed at bottom of article).

The Forum, operated by Floyd County, is the host site for the SSAC Men's and Women's Basketball Championship Tournament from March 4-6. The winners of these tournaments will win automatic berths to the NAIA Finals in Kansas City and Jackson (TN), respectively. The Darlington School will be used for the first round of the women's tournament on Thursday, March 4.

The Rome Noon Optimist Club has tied their name to the many tournament events including these Champion of Character events. Given the Club's mission they are excited about helping the SSAC on these events. They will assist the players/coaches getting to the various schools that have committed to allowing us to conduct these clinics/sessions.

Floyd County has partnered with the Greater Rome CVB and the SSAC to provide tremendous support and financial assistance to help get these tournaments to Rome. These Champion of Character events are just one way that the leadership of the Southern States can give back to the City of Rome and Floyd County.

Participating County Schools

Pepperell Primary March 3 at 12:30 p.m.
Southeast Elementary March 3, 1 p.m.
Main Elementary March 3 1:30 p.m.
Cave Spring Elementary March 3 2:00 p.m.

Alto Park Elementary March 4 at 8:20 a.m.
Garden Lakes Elementary March 4, 9:00 a.m.
Coosa Middle March 4 9:00 a.m.
Midway Primary March 4, 9:30 a.m.