Basketball games show international flair

Grand Valley State basketball games took on an international flair January 23 through a partnership between Laker Athletics and the university's Padnos International Center.

At the January 23 games against Northwood University, the teams wore Grand Valley jerseys with "Lakers" printed on the back in 15 different languages. It was the first "International Night" celebrated at Grand Valley.

Libby Jawish, international student integration coordinator, said after the games, the players gave their jerseys to international students who spoke that language. "The English version was given to a student from Australia," she said.

Announcements during the games were made in English, Swedish and Swahili, the latter two languages by Josh Akena, a student from Sweden; and international student organizations held an expo to highlight study abroad opportunities.

Kelsey Perras, community relations director for Athletics, said the idea started when brainstorming ways to get students involved in the games. "We enjoyed working with another department and making a connection between our student athletes and international students," she said.

Taylor Parmley, a first-year player from Mishawaka, Indiana, said it was a great experience. "I enjoyed meeting the international students and giving them our jerseys," Parmley said.

International student Jaimik Trivedi called it a night to remember. "The teams showed immense hospitality and gave us a feeling that we belong here," Trivedi said.

Both Laker teams beat Northwood that night.

Grand Valley has an enrollment of more than 400 international students.