Rival Virginia Tech, U.Va. FIJI fraternity chapters team up for cancer research

BLACKSBURG, Va., Nov. 14, 2007—As the annual showdown between two longtime college athletic rivals approaches, the brothers of Phi Gamma Delta will set aside their differences to raise money for a higher cause.

The Rho Alpha chapter at Virginia Tech and Omicron chapter at the University of Virginia will work together to run the game ball from Blacksburg to Charlottesville for the Saturday, Nov. 24 match-up between the schools’ football teams in the fifth annual FIJI Run Across Virginia.

The 24-hour relay-style run covers 178 miles between the universities. FIJI’s Virginia Tech chapter will run the football to Lynchburg, Va., where the U.Va. chapter will take it on to Charlottesville. There will be a ceremony in Scott Stadium just before the game kicks off at noon, where members of the fraternities will present the game ball and a check for monies raised to representatives of the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

The V Foundation was founded in 1993 by ESPN and former North Carolina State University basketball coach Jim Valvano to fund grants for researchers dedicated to finding a cure for cancer. Valvano, who lost his battle with cancer in 1993, was awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award at the first annual ESPN ESPY awards. The foundation is known for it’s inspirational motto, declared by Valvano: “Don’t Give Up.…Don’t Ever Give Up!”

Each year, the two FIJI chapters set goals to raise money and promote awareness for the foundation. Together the organizations have raised more than $135,000 for the V Foundation over the last four years of the event. For more information about the run, or to make a donation, visit www.fijirunacrossvirginia.com.

Phi Gamma Delta is a traditional men’s fraternity represented on 112 campuses throughout the United States and Canada. The fraternity seeks to promote lifelong friendships, reaffirm high ethical standards and values, and foster personal development in the pursuit of excellence. Phi Gamma Delta is committed to providing opportunities for each brother to develop responsibility, leadership, scholarship and social skills to become a fully contributing member of society.

 

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