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COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Super Bowl champion football coach Tony Dungy made his way to Columbia on Tuesday, March 16 for two very different reasons. 

Dungy made his first stop at the South Carolina Department of Corrections to speak to prison inmates.

Coach Dungy, who's best known for leading the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl victory in 2007, said football isn't his top priority.  He said that it is his faith in God that is hi

Super Bowl champion football coach Tony Dungy will be in Columbia on March 16 for a fundraiser at Columbia International University and to speak to inmates at the South Carolina Department of Corrections on Broad River Road. 

After visiting with the inmates during the morning, Dungy will then travel to CIU to be the keynote speaker at a noon luncheon in the Moore Fitness Center.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the ministry “With Open Eyes” which touches the lives of suffering people around the world by providing humanitarian aid and the love of Jesus Christ.       

While Dungy is best known for leading the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl victory in 2007, the first such win for an African-American coach, he is also the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Quiet Strength. 
Dungy has been involved in a wide variety of charitable organizations, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes in Action, Mentors for Life, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs, the Prison Crusade Ministry, and All Pro Dad.
Dungy’s commitment to his Christian faith has touched the lives of many people, including Chicago Bears football coach Lovie Smith who calls Dungy’s life “a living testimony of a man's faith in God.”  Columbia International University President Bill Jones says, “It’s an honor and privilege to have Coach Dungy on campus.  He has had a tremendous Christian impact in the marketplace.”     
The media is invited to cover the luncheon, which is scheduled to conclude at 2:00.  For media coverage of Dungy’s visit to the Department of Corrections, contact SCDC Communications Director Josh Gelinas at (803) 896-8578 or gelinas.josh@doc.state.sc.us.        
Founded in 1923, Columbia International University is a private, coeducational, multi-denominational institution that features instruction in Bible, general education, ministry skills and
professional preparation for men and women who desire to impact the world for Jesus Christ.  The university is recognized for its emphasis on biblical authority, spiritual formation and world evangelization.

Contact: Bob Holmes
Communications Coordinator
Columbia International University
(803) 807-5071/(803) 518-8200
bholmes@ciu.edu