2014 Matchup Announced for MEAC/SWAC Challenge Presented by Disney

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Feb 5, 2014 – North Carolina A&T and Alabama A&M, two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), will face off for the 10^th anniversary MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney, an annual celebration of diversity, higher education and football. The 2014 event is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 31 and will air on an ESPN network.

Disney has sponsored the event for seven years as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to diversity, education and community. The football game features teams from the Mideastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

In the tradition of HBCU classics, the MEAC/SWAC Challenge is more than a football game. Four days of fan, alumni and student events culminate with the Sunday game and highlight the contributions HBCUs and their alumni make to education, athletics, the arts and communities across the United States.

“We are excited to be gearing up for the 10^th anniversary of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Presented by Disney,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of Community Relations for the Walt Disney World Resort. “For alumni and fans, the game and the inspiring and dynamic events leading up to it make the four-day weekend a spirited kickoff to football season.”

Since its inception, the challenge has showcased 13 different HBCU institutions.

“Our mission remains strong, which is to build on HBCU traditions while providing a stellar experience for the student-athletes and fans,” said Pete Derzis, senior vice president and general manager, ESPN Regional Television.