The Biola Athletics department began a new tradition called the “Athletics Week of Giving” this week. Starting on Jan. 27, the week-long event is meant to crowdsource funds for the various athletic programs in order to “[equip student athletes] with the resources they need to excel,” according to the athletics page.

“It’s a fundraising opportunity for a week for people to give to athletes and athletics,” said senior cross country runner Carissa Kalpakjian. “Things like improving our facilities and giving scholarships and things like that for athletes specifically.”

FUNDRAISING FOR ATHLETES

The fundraising will go through JustGiving website pages that correspond to each athletic program. These funds will go straight to each program and be used at the discretion of the coaches and those involved. Athletic Director Bethany Miller said teams will be able to put funds to both equipment and scholarships. 

“We are on the track team, it’s like the biggest team since we have both girls and guys, so they really want us to just spread the word and to tell our families,” said sophomore cross country runner McKenzie Elliott. “Since there are so many of us, we are hoping we can raise a good amount of money.”

Another part of the event is called the “Challenge Awards,” which are sponsored by West Coast Sand & Gravel. The top three money-raising programs for both men and women will receive an award of additional funds from WCSG. The awards for both the men’s and women’s side are $3,000 for first place, $1,500 for second place and $500 for third place.

The event will end with the Cornerstone Cup this Saturday. There will be a donation booth outside of Chase Gymnasium before the game so that fans can show more support for the program of their choice.