Sept. 3, 2008

For Immediate Release:
Contact: Staci Schottman, NAIA Director of Public Relations and Communications, 816-595-8116, sschottman@naia.org

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Kansas City Royals will celebrate "Champions of Character Night at the K" on Thursday, September 4, when the Royals take on the Oakland Athletics at Kauffman Stadium at 7:10 p.m. (CT).

The Champions of Character program, officially sponsored by Buffalo Funds, uses the power of sport to teach lessons for life. The mission is to restore character values and raise a generation of students who understand and demonstrate in everyday decisions respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship.

Royals General Manager Dayton Moore, Buffalo Funds President John Kornitzer and NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr sit on the Champions of Character Foundation Board of Directors and work together on the programs impact locally and nationally. In Kansas City alone, Champions of Character reaches thousands through partnerships with youth sport groups and school districts and at special events held in conjunction with the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship.

"The NAIA is pleased to partner with the Kansas City Royals for "Champions of Character Night at the K". This special event showcases the Champions of Character program and its ability to impact an entire community through character education," said Carr. "Dayton Moore is an avid supporter of Champions of Character and this initiative aligns with the Royals commitment to programs that invest in children and education. I would like to thank Dayton and Royals Charities for their contributions and look forward to a lasting partnership."

With the Royals doubleheader pregame events get underway with a check presentation and opening pitch festivities during the first game at approximately 3:45 p.m. Kent Gasaway, Buffalo Funds, will partner with Jake Russell, Park University baseball player, for opening pitch honors. On The Border will sponsor a tailgate event beginning at 5 p.m. in parking lot N for Park University, William Jewell College and Benedictine College student-athletes and NAIA and Buffalo Funds staff members and families. Guests will attend game two of the doubleheader with first pitch slated for 7:10 p.m.

To learn more about "Champions of Character Night at the K" contact Staci Schottman, NAIA Director of Public Relations and Communications, at 816-595-8116. To learn more about the Champions of Character program visit www.championsofcharacter.org or contact Rob Haworth, Vice President for Champions of Character, at 816-595-8113.

About the NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The Association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association's innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves. To learn more visit www.NAIA.org.

About Buffalo Funds
Buffalo Funds is the Official Sponsor of the Champions of Character program. Buffalo Funds assists in the Champions of Character program growth and is the title sponsor of the NAIA Men's Division I Basketball National Championship. To learn more about Buffalo Funds visit www.buffalofunds.com.

About Royals Charities
Royals Charities, a 501(c)3 non-profit established in 2001, strives to address the needs of the community and enhance the quality of life for area citizens by supporting programs of impact that invest in children, education and neighborhoods. Since its creation, Royals Charities, which is governed by a Board of Directors from the community, has helped make a difference in the lives of Kansas Citians and neighboring communities. To learn more visit www.royals.com.