BUFFALO, NY--Buffalo State College Athletics held its Fifth Annual “Kid’s Night Out” program for inner-city youth on Thursday, April 17, welcoming more than 125 kids to the Buffalo State Sports Arena.

The free program ran from 6:30 until 9 p.m. and was open to boys and girls in grades three through five from the City of Buffalo Public Schools. Student-athletes from Buffalo State’s 19 varsity athletic teams were on hand to mentor the kids on techniques in various sports as well as focus on the ideals of teamwork and sportsmanship. The students rotated through nine different "play stations" that included kickball, dodgeball, soccer, track and field, football, basketball and more.

“The Kids Night Out program is a great opportunity for our student-athletes at Buffalo State to connect with the youth of the City of Buffalo and enjoy an evening of sports activities,” said Dr. Gail F. Maloney, Senior Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator. “This program is very well received by both the children and the parents in our community and enriches the lives of everyone involved.”

The event was run by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), a committee made up of student-athletes assembled to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. The SAAC also offers input on the rules, regulations and polices that affect student-athletes' lives on NCAA member institution campuses.