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Advancing sport with innovative change
The NAIA has a long tradition of pushing the envelope - and making a positive difference in the lives of students, coaches and parents. Champions of Character is the latest cutting-edge program in the NAIA's proud history of innovation:
1937: The association organizes around a men's college basketball tournament - an event that is now the longest continuous national collegiate tournament in any sport.
1948: The NAIA becomes the first national organization to offer post-season opportunities to black student-athletes.
1953: The association votes to include historically black institutions as members.
1980: The NAIA establishes national championships in women's basketball, cross country, gymnastics, track and field, softball, tennis and volleyball - revolutionizing women's collegiate athletics.
2000: The association launches Champions of Character to encourage positive character values in students and their communities.
The NAIA is a leader in developing high academic standards. The association is also the only intercollegiate athletics association that has consistently emphasized character development.
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