DAHLONEGA – University of North Georgia (UNG) Athletics and ConnectAbility have partnered to launch Connected Nighthawks, a new program designed to create inclusive opportunities for individuals of all abilities to experience the excitement of Nighthawk Athletics. Through this partnership, participants will gain access to UNG sporting events, exclusive experiences and opportunities and become integrated into the Nighthawk Athletics community.

ConnectAbility is dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities and their families by creating communities where people of all abilities are valued, included and empowered. For over 25 years they have created opportunities to gather and enjoy the unique gifts of all members in the community. Through its partnership with UNG Athletics, ConnectAbility will help bring individuals and families closer to the action while fostering meaningful relationships and creating memorable experiences across Nighthawk Athletics.

"ConnectAbilty has had a long-standing relationship with UNG in many different facets over the years. We are ecstatic that Connected Nighthawks marks our first official partnership with the university through UNG Athletics, and we are looking forward to launching this program," says Jacque Daniel, ConnectAbility's Executive Director. "The energy and enthusiasm that we have already experienced when sharing this new opportunity with ConnectAbility participants has been palpable, and we can't wait to watch what this infusion of inclusion does to energize UNG Athletic home games across all sports."

Beginning with the 2026-27 basketball season, Connected Nighthawks will provide free membership to ConnectAbility members, including complimentary admission to all UNG home regular-season athletic events. Members will receive a special credential recognizing them as Connected Nighthawks Super Fans and will have opportunities to participate in exclusive experiences throughout the year, including unique photo opportunities and meet-and-greets with UNG student-athletes at select events.

"We are thrilled to partner with ConnectAbiliy and launch this new initiative," stated Morgan May, Assistant Athletic Director, Communications & Marketing. "Connected Nighthawks gives us an opportunity to create meaningful experiences and memories while building meaningful relationships between the participants, our student-athletes and the greater Nighthawk community. Whether it's cheering on the Nighthawks, meeting a student-athlete or getting involved on game day, our goal is to make our Connected Nighthawks feel like they are an important part of what we do."

Additionally, Connected Nighthawks members ages 18 and older will have opportunities to take on volunteer roles at select home athletic events. From greeting fans to assisting with ticket sales, these experiences will provide another way for participants to engage with UNG Athletics and play a role in the game-day experience. Participants volunteering at events will receive a Connected Nighthawks t-shirt to wear alongside their program credential.

"We believe Nighthawk Athletics has the ability to bring people together and create experiences that extend well beyond the playing field," stated Director of Athletics, Mary Rob Plunkett. "We are incredibly excited to partner with ConnectAbility to launch Connected Nighthawks and create more opportunities for its members to be part of our Nighthawk Nation."

The program will also extend opportunities to family members, with deeply discounted All-Sport Passes available. These passes provide admission to all home regular-season ticketed events for men's basketball, women's basketball, baseball and softball.

Through Connected Nighthawks, UNG Athletics and ConnectAbility look forward to building a stronger, more inclusive Nighthawk community where everyone has an opportunity to be part of the experience.