UB Student-Athletes Volunteer for Safety

Over 100 student-athletes participate in Linda Yelam Safety Run

Linda Yalem Run Volunteers

BUFFALO, NY- Sunday, September 27 marked the 20th annual Linda Yalem Safety Run. A number of University at Buffalo student-athletes took it upon themselves to be active in the community by volunteering for the event. In doing so they are reminding the community about personal safety and remembering UB Student Linda Yalem.

Over 90 student-athletes volunteered by making and holding up signs to support the participants as well as handing out water.

“It’s nice to give back to the community, to show the city of Buffalo we appreciate everything they do for us, and to let them know we are here for them”, said SAAC President Mike McDowell.

Another 110 athletes decided to volunteer their time a different way, by running in the event. The event fee helps UB’s efforts to promote personal safety awareness and rape prevention.

“It’s important to remind the community about safety,” said senior swimmer Samantha Eckert.

“The community loves to see the athletes they support giving back to the community,” said leadership developing coordinating Melanie Bentley-Cruz, “It’s great to be able to run next to the athletes you cheer on during events.”

The event was put in place to honor University of Buffalo Student Linda Yalem. She was a sophomore from southern California who was killed September 26, 1990 while running on the Ellicott creek bike path.