The Sun Conference is a proud member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Though less famous than its National College Athletic Association, better known as the NCAA, the NAIA also sponsors and sanctions collegiate athletic events and competitions. The NAIA crowns 23 National Champion teams per year, at events held throughout the country, with additional individual National Champions depending on the sport. Comprised of nearly 300 colleges and universities across North America (USA and Canada), the NAIA promotes the education and personal development of its athletes, with goals extending far beyond those scored in games.The NAIA produces alumni who are not only gifted in the realm of sports but well rounded in character. In fact, the NAIA Champions of Character initiative is program specifically developed with a focus on maintain good, healthy values for its athletes and coaches alike and instilling such ideals in the local communities that house each member institution. The Champions of Character process rests on 5 moral pillars, integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and Servant Leadership. Through education and awareness, Champions of Character will help to change the very culture of athletics and sports across the nationwide field of play and beyond, bringing an end to the negative stigmas so often associated with athletes.