The 2009 National Student-Athlete Development Conference will bring about 600 student-athlete leaders together to discuss topics that affect them on their campuses and in their communities.

The conference, which also enhance leadership skills, will be Sunday through Wednesday at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.

The conference is structured to enhance the skill set and knowledge base of student-athletes. Participants will also have the opportunity to hear from key figures in government and sports. A video presentation will feature U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, (R-OH); Reggie Love, personal aide to President Obama and a former student-athlete; former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater; and Angela Taylor, vice president and general manager for the Washington Mystics on the WNBA.

Representatives from U.S. Army also will present on energy management and attention control, and National City Bank personnel will conduct a session on financial responsibility, including credit card debt, investing and money management.  

Student-athletes also will discuss topics such as diversity, student-athlete well-being, substance abuse, personal branding and sportsmanship. They will work in teams on projects throughout the conference. Participants will also take part in initiative activities at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

Coaches, athletics administrators and program facilitators also will attend, along with members from each division’s national SAAC. 

Participating student-athletes were selected from more than 2,000 nominations from college and university officials who represent Divisions I, II and III, and fall, winter and spring sports.