NEWARK, DE -- The University of Delaware will celebrate national Student Athlete Day this evening, April 17, at Fred. P. Rullo at the UD Athletics complex from 7-9 p.m.

The annual event, open to all student-athletes who participate for Delaware’s 23 intercollegiate teams, features food, games, music, and prizes. The event is coordinated by the UD Student-Athlete Advisory Council.

Among the events being held are a pie-eating contest, an obstacle course that includes football dummies, hoola hoops, and a dizzy bat race, a water balloon toss, and a limbo contest. The prizes will include UD flip-flops, beach balls, towels, and sun screen as part of the “Beach” theme.

The food, which includes barbecue, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, pasta salad, and dessert, is being donated by the UD Catering department.

"Student Athlete Day is a way to celebrate the excellence of Delaware's student-athletes in academics and athletics, as well as their significant contributions to the community,” said SAAC President and junior golf team member Tyler Kupper of Weston, CT. “This annual event draws athletes from all sports and seasons, allowing them to enjoy a free barbecue with games and prizes.”

More information regarding National Student-Athlete day can be found on-line at: http://www.ncaa.org/wps.

Other colleges will celebrate Student-Athlete Day with awards luncheons, dinners, and visits to local schools and shelters.