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The University of Colorado Athletic Department has earned honorable mention recognition on an Award for Diversity from the NCAA and the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association.

Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØAthletics diversity, equity and inclusion program staff, left to right: Diandra Walker, DEI associate; DaWon Baker, associate athletic director of DEI;ÌýDonovan Wilson, McLendon Future Leader;Ìýand Taylor Langley, assistant director of psychological health and performanceÌýand DEI coordinator.Ìý

The award recognizes the initiatives, policies and practices of schools and conference offices that embrace diversity and inclusion across intercollegiate athletics. This can be achieved through community service, professional development, hiring practices or programming activities that enhance opportunities for people of diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences.

"This award helps confirm that we are on the correct path, and that our DEI efforts are not just great here at CUÌýbut stack up nationally," said DaWon Baker, associate athleticÌýdirectorÌýfor diversity, equity and inclusion for Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØAthletics. "This will give us the momentum and push necessary to continue to make inclusion a part of every decision made within Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØAthletics."

For the Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØathletes, the increase in commitment is noticeable. ForÌý, a Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØtrack and field athlete, it's a difference maker, especially for student-athletes who are people of color at CU. "I can see the priority of DEI here in Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØathletics. You can see how the wellbeing of our POC student-athletes has greatly benefited here at Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØwith the changes and additional support for the efforts."

Major components of CU's application included CUnited (Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØAthletics inclusive hiring process)Ìýand the ongoing awareness that Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØAthletics brings to cultural heritages throughout the year.

Annually, the NCAA and MOAA will award a winner and a number of schools and/or conferences with honorable mentions. The award can help guide efforts, as well as provide schools and conferences with examples of intentional DEI work.

Learn more about Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØAthletics DEI department and initiatives, andÌý.