eSports continues to become part of established athletic programs around the US
The US Air Force (USAF) is running a new eSports program thanks to a partnership with the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). This new partnership will bring great gaming opportunities in SWAC championship and tournament events for league fans, student-athletes and supporters and, according to SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland, “We’re extremely excited to partner with the United States Air Force in this new venture that will bring exciting on-site activations of eSports platforms to our league.”
The SWAC is considered one of the main HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) conferences in the country and it currently has a place among the elite for alumni playing with professional sports teams. It runs competitions in sports like baseball, basketball, cross country, football, just to name a few. With the addition of eSports to that list, more students will have opportunity to develop professionally.
“The more diverse and widely represented team we have that live the Air Force Core Values, the more effective we will be at our mission. It is our goal to use this platform to connect with the highly motivated fans and student-athletes that have the grit and determination to lead this change and succeed in the Air Force. It is our honor to partner with the SWAC and inspire the nation’s next generation of leaders,” said Major Ross McKnight, Chief of National Events with the USAF.
The league will be hosting eSports events in titles such as FIFA Soccer, Fortnite, Overwatch, Rocket League, Smash Bros and Maiden. Also, an NBA2k basketball tournament will be a part of the 2020-2021 SWAC Basketball Championships.
