NAU athletics partners with Flagstaff schools for Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week is in full swing in Flagstaff, encouraging area youth to commit to a drug-free lifestyle.

The 16th annual event is presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona in partnership with NAU athletics, Flagstaff Unified School District and Citizens Against Substance Abuse.

“Red Ribbon Week is an opportunity for our student-athletes to be a visible part of the Flagstaff community,” said NAU Athletics Director Jim Fallis. “It is an event we look forward to as an athletic department each year.”

NAU student-athletes will spend the week visiting the classrooms of elementary and middle schools in Flagstaff. They will share a drug-free message along with encouraging the students to commit early in their lives to say no to drugs and violence.

The week culminates Nov. 11 at halftime of the football game against Weber State. Students at the game recite the drug-free pledge on the field of the Skydome. All those wearing a red ribbon or showing a drug-free pledge card will be given free admission to the game compliments of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. Kickoff is set for 3:05 p.m.

For a list of schools that will be visited and times when NAU student-athletes will be in the classrooms, call the NAU Sports Information Office at (928) 523-6792.