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To kickoff the 2012 Olympic Games, the NCAA Hall of Champions introduces an exhibit featuring former NCAA student-athletes who competed in past Olympic Games. The display runs through January 14 and spotlights 12 individuals, two for each of the six NCAA values: balance, learning, character, spirit, community and fair play.

Two individuals with Indiana ties will represent the Association’s values of character and community:

• Two-time gold medalist and Indiana Fever standout Tamika Catchings displays the values of character by providing leadership skills. Catchings created the Catch the Stars Foundation, designed to help disadvantaged youth achieve their dreams.

•  Kurt Thomas, a two-time NCAA all-around champion and Indiana State alum, makes his contributions to the community with the Kurt Thomas Gymnastics Training Center he owns and operates in Frisco, Texas. Thomas was a member of the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team in 1976.

“With the Olympic Games now officially underway, we wanted to highlight the achievements of former NCAA student-athlete Olympians,” said Kelly Dodds, assistant director of the NCAA Hall of Champions. “This Hall of Champions exhibit gives us a great opportunity to put the spotlight on these incredibly accomplished individuals , and to provide the public  with a tangible way to experience the character and community of both college sports and the Olympics.”     

The NCAA Hall of Champions is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.  Regular admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children, senior citizens and students. 

About the NCAA Hall of Champions

The NCAA Hall of Champions is a two-level, 30,000-square foot facility that celebrates the academic and athletic experiences of current and former NCAA student-athletes.   The Hall of Champions features interactive exhibits, relevant artifacts and memorabilia, as well as photos and video that center on the 23 NCAA sports and 88 championships.   The Hall of Champions is located in downtown Indianapolis in White River State Park and serves as a meeting and event facility and public attraction.   For more information, go to www.ncaahallofchampions.org or call 317/916-HALL.   For more information on the NCAA, go to www.ncaa.org.