ABERDEEN, S.D.(HubCityRadio) — Nearly 200 student-athletes and coaches from Northern State University teamed up with United Way of Northeastern South Dakota for the annual Day of Champions, completing service projects across Aberdeen and surrounding communities.

The Day of Champions, which began in 2002 as a collaborative service initiative between Northern and the United Way, has grown into a cornerstone of community engagement. Since its inception, more than 3,400 NSU student-athletes have completed more than 292 projects, contributing more than 22,200 volunteer hours, an estimated $394,316 in donated labor.

This year’s event included 20 host sites, where volunteers supported a wide range of organizations including the Aberdeen Area Humane Society, Aberdeen Community Theatre, Boys and Girls Club, Sanford Medical Center, Salvation Army, YMCA and Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, among others.

The United Way’s Angie Cleberg describes what they were doing on Saturday.

Through initiatives like Day of Champions, Northern State University continues to emphasize the importance of service, leadership and community connection, values that extend far beyond the classroom.