Before the SMU football game Sept. 3 against Texas Tech, SMU’s student athletes will roam the entrances of Ford Stadium. SMU’s athletes will be handing out balloons and soliciting donations from fans to benefit the Virginia Tech Victims Fund.

According to Associate Athletic Director Jeff Konya, student athletes and the administration were compelled to honor the victims of Virginia Tech. SMU and its student-athletes determined that the best way to successfully honor the fallen Hokies, after last April’s tragedy, was through community service.

The balloon launch and fundraising at the football game will not only benefit the Victims Fund monetarily, but also a reminder to all sports fans of the tragedy that occurred only five months ago.

The balloons released before the game will be white with the Virginia Tech logo on the side. Over 120 student athlete volunteers are expected to hand out balloons and solicit donations.