Winston-Salem State Wins CIAA Competition

Hagan introducing First Lady Michelle Obama during the CIAA Basketball Tournament in Charlotte. Photo courtesy Kay Hagan, hagan.senate.gov

Highlighted by a Visit From the First Lady

By C.W. Young

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) celebrated its 100th anniversary competition in Charlotte with the Winston-Salem State Rams defeating Elizabeth City State U. for the Men’s title and the Lady Bears of Shaw University winning the Women’s crown over Johnson C. Smith U. The Shaw win gave its women’s team back-to-back titles.

The CIAA, founded in 1912 as the Colored Intercollegiate Athletic
Association, is comprised of member institutions from Pennsylvania to
North Carolina. With the exception of Chowan University, CIAA members
are all historically black colleges and universities.

The CIAA is a social event as well as a basketball tournament, offering
homecoming and networking opportunities to participants. The
organization is particularly known for such social events as concerts,
step shows, cheerleading competitions, and fan interaction.

The anniversary celebration was highlighted by a visit from First Lady
Michelle Obama, who also promoted her “Let’s Move” initiative to
eliminate obesity.

With enthusiastic cheers from the large, supportive audience, Mrs.
Obama and NC Sen. Kay Hagan played a basketball relay game with local
middle-school children before departing to a roar of approval.