Inclusion: Expand student-athletes’ worldviews, celebrate diversity, and provide an inclusive, supportive environment.

National Student-Athlete Day
Created by the National Consortium for Academics and Sports in 1987, National Student-Athlete Day is celebrated annually on April 6th. SASSO celebrates this day by recognizing student-athletes for their achievements on and off the field. Additionally, SAAC hosts an event for student-athletes to come together; in 2016 Buckeyes enjoyed dinner together at a women’s softball game.

You Can Play & Athlete Ally
SASSO and the Department of Athletics are committed to supporting initiatives to end homophobia and discrimination in sports. Buckeyes support You Can Play, an organization dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation. You can view the 2014 video here. Additionally, student-athletes and staff can participate in Athlete Ally’s pledge to respect and welcome all persons, regardless of perceived or actual sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, and do their part to make all athletes feel respected on and off the field.

International Student-Athlete Events
SASSO is currently planning initiatives for international student-athletes during the 2016-2017 year. Stay tuned for more information!

Abroad Opportunities
Study abroad and service-learning opportunities allow Buckeyes to travel across the world. Through these unique experiences, student-athletes gain cultural competency, global awareness, and develop cross-cultural communication skills.

Martin Luther King Day of Service
Sponsored by Pay It Forward and the Frank W. Hale Black Cultural Center, the MLK Day of Service allows students to make the day off a “day on” by participating in service throughout the campus and Central Ohio communities. Students and staff also take time to honor Dr. King and remember his legacy through songs, video, and spoken word.