KINGSTON, R.I. – Nov. 1, 2024 – URI Athletics held its first-ever Rhody Athletics Challenge on Oct. 24 to encourage support for the University’s Division I teams. More than 1,700 alumni, families, fans, and supporters gave a total of $1,174,970, providing crucial funding for the teams’ operating funds throughout academic year.

“The Rhody Athletics Challenge will have an enormous impact on our programs and student-athletes throughout the academic year,” said Director of Athletics Thorr Bjorn. “The teams rely on this support, and we are thrilled to see continued growth over last year, which set the previous record. There’s a lot of momentum behind URI Athletics right now.”

The day was a record-breaker for URI Athletics, with gifts surpassing previous totals raised for athletics when it was bundled with the comprehensive URI Day of Giving.

Individual teams competed throughout the day for leaderboard challenge bonuses—extra funds awarded to the top teams within men’s, women’s, and spirit categories. In addition, matching gift challenges encouraged supporters of 10 individual teams to reach higher. More than 600 participants were first-time donors to athletics, adding to the event’s success.

Follow all URI Division I teams at: GoRhody.com. To support them anytime throughout the year, make a gift at: uri.edu/give.