FAIRBANKS, ALASKA (JANUARY 20, 2005) J.J. Jumper, the official basketball mascot of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, is to appear at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, January 27, during men's and women's basketball games, at 6:00PM and 8:00PM, at the UAF Patty Center. J.J. Jumper will perform throughout the game as part of the NCAA's commitment to promote youth basketball participation and sportsmanship.
J. J. Jumper's purpose is to increase enthusiasm and awareness of NCAA Basketball, while engaging and educating youth on healthy physical, emotional and educational values. J.J.'s mission is to represent both genders and all races. J.J. Jumper is an attention-getting 6'5" green creature with orange hair, size 26 shoes and a big heart that motivates youth to do their best on and off the court. J.J. appears at men's and women's basketball games, giving away NCAA Basketball promotional items and performing skits during timeouts and/or halftime.
"We are pleased to support the NCAA Basketball's official mascot and program, J.J. Jumper, because of the program's encouragement and support with youth participation," said Cory Schwartz, Director of Athletics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. "As a member of the NCAA, the UAF Nanooks see the true value this program brings to the membership. The program illustrates the importance of sportsmanship, youth participation and other positive values, which are vital facets in intercollegiate athletics. "
The 2004-05 season is the program's fifth full season. During the past four seasons, J.J. Jumper has made more than 275 visits at member institutions, appearing at almost 600 men's and women's basketball games. J.J. performs at men's and women's basketball regular season games in all three divisions, conference tournaments and all NCAA basketball championships.
J.J. Jumper was created in 1999, in part to help member institutions reach their younger fans. J.J. Jumper was developed through a study done by NCAA Basketball, and the concept has received a positive response from both youth and adults.
To learn more about J.J. Jumper, please visit NCAA Kids at www.NCAAsports.com.
Tickets for the double header are available now, and can be purchased at the Patty Center ticket office For more information, contact (907) 474-5977 or visit www.GoNanooks.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
