PEMBROKE – Athletics department officials at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke announced Tuesday a new initiative that will call on families, fans and alumni who back the Black & Gold to throw their financial support behind their "Back The Braves" campaign which will help support the department's 17 teams and more than 400 student-athletes.  
 
"The continued commitment of our community is crucial to the experience we provide our student-athletes," said athletics director Dick Christy. "The success they have enjoyed in recent years (10 championships and counting in 4 years) positively affects UNCP and Robeson County in countless ways. We are capable of great things here, and our student-athletes and coaches continue to show that potential day in and day out."
 
Supporters of UNCP Athletics are encouraged to kick-off the year-long campaign by making a gift at UNCPBraves.com/Give and sharing their gift on social media with the hashtag #BackTheBraves from April 6-13. Donors to the campaign that proudly use the hashtag on UNCP's social media accounts will receive a personalized video message from a current student-athlete competing as part of the varsity athletics programs.
 
With an initial goal for the initiative being set at $50,000, the athletics department will incorporate the campaign into various events throughout the next calendar year, including the Golden Braves Awards, College Colors Day and the department's annual Cash Bash fund-raising event.
 
Gifts of $125 or more will automatically designate the donor as an active Braves Club member - . Questions about the "Back The Braves" campaign, as well as opportunities for naming rights, can be discussed by contacting Jack "Bull" Slavin at jack.slavin@uncp.edu or by calling (910) 522-5724.