The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Learfield Sports’ Rhody Sports Properties and student athletes from Rhode Island teamed up in September to create television and radio public service announcements that aired throughout the state this fall.

Athletes from each of Rhode Island’s teams were filmed and photographed as part of an awareness campaign encouraging the idea of speaking out against domestic violence.

“I hope this commercial creates a clear message that helps people understand that anyone can get involved,” says Manny Vadis ’16, a senior on the women’s track and field team.

Vadis added that she hopes people, especially those in the URI community, will continue to do the right thing, not just when they are under the spotlight.

Junior distance runner Alex McGrainer ’17 from the men’s track and field team is hopeful that the announcement will bring more awareness about the message and gather more people to support victims of domestic violence. “I’ve definitely seen a change in my friends and the kids I hang out with,” he said.

McGrainer said that through the URi-STANDers program, and other experiences at URI, he has seen a ripple effect that he believes is turning student-athletes into “all-around better people.”

The television commercial and radio PSA began airing across the state at the start of October. As part of the campaign, photos of Rhody student-athletes were plastered on RIPTA buses throughout the state.

Rhody Sports Properties, which secured the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence partnership on behalf of Rhode Island Athletics, is a property of Learfield Sports. Learfield manages multimedia rights and sponsorship for nearly 120 collegiate properties and sponsors the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup with award co-founders NACDA and USA Today. The R.I. Coalition Against Domestic Violence is an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence through gathering support, seeking justice for victims, and creating awareness. If you or anyone you know is in need of help, their 24-hour helpline can be reached at 1.800.494.8100.

—Dani Gariglio ’17