Cambridge, Mass. (May 8) -- The MIT Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER) recently participated in the 24-Hour Challenge, which is an Institute-wide day of giving that takes place annually on Pi Day. In this year's seventh annual event, DAPER raised a total of $564,567.36 from 2,106 donors.
 
"I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone within the DAPER community and beyond that supported the seventh annual 24-Hour Challenge," said Dr. G. Anthony Grant, director of athletics/DAPER department head. "I would also like to thank all of our generous micro challengers as their philanthropy is essential in raising necessary funds that support resources that enhance the experience for all of our students. I would also like to thank our coaches, DAPER staff, alumni ambassadors, student-athlete ambassadors, DAPER PLC members, DAPER advisory board, team parent groups and the annual leadership and resource development staff for all of their outreach."
 
Overall, MIT surpassed last year's giving totals as the Institute raised $3.71 million dollars from 8,593 donors. DAPER's 2,106 donors made up 24.5 percent of the total for that day, while the giving total of $564,567.36 was 15.2 percent of the overall MIT total. In addition to the nine team challenges and the overall DAPER challenge, the student-athletes took part in the Student-Athlete Ambassador Program for the first time. This was a huge success as the program consists of engaging undergraduates in DAPER in a three-prong approach including making a gift, social media posts and an in-person event. Women's tennis had 100 percent participation in the program, while softball was second and baseball was third.
 
"Gifts on this day show your commitment to continued sustained excellence for the 33 intercollegiate teams, 800+ student-athletes, and over 1,500 club sport athletes," said Dr. Grant. "Thanks to all of our donors, we are able to continue to provide the highest-quality athletics experience possible for our student-athletes."
 
DAPER offers opportunities for sports instruction and participation at all levels. With 33 varsity sports, MIT supports one of the broadest and most competitive intercollegiate athletic programs in the world. The intramural program offers competition in 25 sports, with 3,000 participants from the MIT community. MIT features one of the nation's most expansive club sport programs, with more than 1,700 participants and more than teams. Each quarter, MIT physical education and wellness offers over 50 sections and more than 25 types of instructional activity courses. As part of the General Institute Requirements, each student must earn eight points through courses and complete the swim requirement.
 
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