competition, Wingate University will be in the national and
international spotlight later this year when the premier event in
strength athletics takes place on the University campus in September
and is televised domestically on ESPN as a six-hour program in
December and internationally on ESPN2 in 2012.
"We are very excited that millions of people around the world will see
what Wingate University has to offer, including our beautiful campus,"
said Wingate University President Dr. Jerry E. McGee. "As the third
ranking NCAA Division II Academic All-America® school in this
millennium, we pride ourselves on our strong educational and athletic
programs, and know our 600 student athletes and others will enjoy
seeing this exciting competition between 32 champion athletes
firsthand."
"Having the competition on campus will enrich the educational
experience for students interested in our sport sciences and
communication programs," said Dr. McGee. "It is a prime example of how
Wingate University gives students the tools and support they need to
excel in academics and apply that learning toward an extraordinary
career and life."
McGee added that Wingate students will not only be able to participate
as spectators, but also will be able to meet the athletes and see
firsthand how an internationally televised sports competition is
produced.
Many of the events will be held on the Wingate campus, located 30
miles east of Charlotte on Highway U.S. 74 in the town of Wingate.
Wingate is working with the North Carolina Department of Tourism to
determine the on-campus sites. Other locations around the state are
still being added.
The public will be invited to the events, which will take place at
several locations around the campus. A full schedule of events, times
and locations will be announced as they are finalized. Contestants
will be housed in the Monroe area.
About The MET-Rx World Strongest Man
Now in its 34th year, the series is owned and produced by IMG Media,
the production and distribution arm of IMG, the global sports,
entertainment and media company. Wingate University was selected
through arrangements secured by PSE-3 in Raleigh, N.C., a
communications, marketing and sales firm serving the sports and
entertainment industries.
About Wingate University
Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a comprehensive university with
more than 2,300 students on three campuses in Wingate, Matthews and
Hendersonville, N.C. The university offers 34 undergraduate majors, 37
minors and career concentrations, numerous pre-professional programs,
graduate degrees in business, accounting, education, physician
assistant studies and sport administration, and doctorates in pharmacy
and education. With a 14 to 1 student/teacher ratio, Wingate students
gain the tools and support they need to excel in academics and apply
that learning toward an extraordinary career and life. The campus
community offers in-class learning, out-of-class experiences, strong
mentors, a competitive yet caring environment and rewarding community
service opportunities for a complete educational experience. In
addition to a robust intramural athletics program, Wingate student
athletes compete in 19 NCAA Division II sports, and the University has
won the South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award for
the past five years.
For more information, go to www.wingate.edu.
