The City University of New York Athletic Conference, in cooperation with student-athlete advisory committees at member schools, kicks off an effort this weekend to promote college sports within the CUNY system.

The conference already is planning nearly 30 events through the coming year designed to generate interest in athletics on campuses throughout the system and expects to add more events through the year.

The first event, set for Saturday during Medgar Evers’ men’s and women’s soccer games against Staten Island, will include various promotional activities – such as tossing T-shirts into the crowd.

“We're trying to generate more excitement for our games,” said Chris Gonzales, CUNYAC director of media relations. “We’re reaching out to alums, professors, staff members, student clubs – everyone on campus. Let’s make these events celebrations of our student-athletes.”

The schedule of events includes a variety of sports on various campuses, as well as CUNYAC championships.