Two key aspects in the “Total Person” education of Big 12 Conference student-athletes are the life skills programs and key assistance for Special Olympics.

Both areas have been integral parts of the Big 12 Conference mission since its inception and continue to be significant and were augmented in 1996 by Dr. Prentice Gautt, a trendsetter in college athletics, life skills, student services, and community action as well as the first African-American football student-athlete at the University of Oklahoma.

With the assistance of conference staff, directors of student services and other key agencies, this group of talented youngsters has provided feedback for Big 12 administrators. The Student-Athletes Advisory Committee has been proactive in promoting NCAA legislation, providing feedback to the Conference Office, and conference representatives in guidelines for Big 12 academic honor teams, the Commissioner’s Honor Roll and other areas of recognition for classroom accomplishments.

Recent SAAC meetings also have included visits to children at area medical facilities as well as input for service projects for student-athletes throughout the league.

Besides such life skills’ and athletics’ areas as eligibility concerns, time spent between studies, events and practice sessions, placement in the business world, or graduate school opportunities, the program emphasizes “Stay in School” motivational speeches, anti-violence messages, anti-drug/addictive behavior, “YES,” and other community-designed programs.

Both life skills and Special Olympics receive ample coverage in the Big 12 through such areas as the Community Champions Awards often featured on the Big 12 Showcase telecasts. They also are given pregame and halftime scoreboard recognition slots at all conference schools, scholarship programs, and a series of free clinics in such sports as youth football, soccer, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, softball and baseball, among others. A conference-wide printed and electronically-distributed newsletter for life skills also has been produced, and several schools promote similar publications or on-line information.

Special Olympics, the Big 12’s charity of choice since May 1996, has held a special place in the hearts of many in the conference for years before the current association.

The Big 12 works closely with the statewide Special Olympics’ organizations in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas to coordinate projects, provide information, and invite Olympians to attend events such as media or fan appreciation days for various Big 12 sports.

For five decades current Big 12 members have provided facilities with a combined capacity of just over one million fans for Special Olympics’ competition in the always-popular sports of track and field, softball, swimming and diving, weightlifting and wrestling. The national program, which was founded by members of the extended family of late President John F. Kennedy and which receives financial support from worldwide charitable sources, has earned the title “Most Credible Charity in America” in a survey by Chronicle of Philanthropy and “Top Charity” among Time Magazine subscribers.

Specifically, some cooperative highlights of the Big 12 and Special Olympics have been public service announcements appearing on most league telecasts, donations to the charity by Big 12 student-athletes and fans, clinics with league coaches, student-athletes and interaction with the Olympians, and special seasonal camps in several sports. Both regionally and nationally, there has been Big 12 involvement in Special Olympics’ meetings. Conference schools and the league office also have helped to arrange for Big 12 head coaches, student-athletes, and administrators to meet with their Special Olympics’ counterparts. Many Big 12 school dignitaries also have devoted their talents to opening ceremonies and awards’ events.

The chances to create dialogue, friendship and hugs among the Special Olympians and interested groups from Big 12 schools have brought both groups ample satisfaction.