WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to help generate more awareness to the problem of bullying in the local community, Howard University head men's basketball coach Kevin Nickelberry and the HU team have invited several participating youth groups as special guests to Saturday's home basketball game against the University of Maryland Eastern Shore as part of "No Bullying" campaign.  The tip-off is slated for 4 pm.

As we all have seen and heard in recent months, bullying has become a major problem across the nation.  Both the long-term and short-term effects of bullying have been proven to be extremely devastating for the victims, their families and ultimately, entire communities.   Howard University and its athletic department know first-hand how organized sports can be a positive measure in building physical attributes, but more importantly, organized athletics can be a tremendous building block in increasing self-esteem and interpersonal relationships.

To that end, Coach Nickelberry has invited local groups to join him in taking an active stand against bullying via his "NO BULLYING" campaign.  The Coach has a compelling personal testimony about his own experience with bullying, and he along with the Howard University basketball coaching staff will enage in dialogue with local area students about bullying.

Particpating organizations will also have a chance to take part in the No Bullying campaign as guests at the Howard-Florida A&M University game on February 19.

Coach Nickelberry and his staff will also be visting several schools and organizations to speak on the subject.