T-shirts, sandals and shoulder bags adorned with Greek letters will be rampant all over campus today as Greeks participate in the first event of Greek Week.

The week-long annual event, sponsored by the Inter-Greek Programming Board, consists of five events. The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life will close out the week.

“Greek Week is a week for students who are involved in Greek organizations to come together and take part in friendly competition, and most importantly, support a great cause,” said Mindy Baldy, Greek Week chairwoman.

Fraternity and sorority members raise points for their respective chapters by attending, participating in and winning events. The fraternity and the sorority that receive the most points throughout the week are announced at a later date.

Today’s event requires Greek members to wear their chapter’s Greek letters. Participants check in with Inter-Greek Programming Board members between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. in order to receive points for their chapter.

Tomorrow’s event, a talent show, will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. 18 different fraternities and sororities will perform. Baldy said there are all different kinds of acts, including singing, dancing and comedic skits. One fraternity member will take the stage alone, performing a drum solo.

Judson Laipply, a native of Ohio and an emerging inspirational and motivational speaker among high school and college students, will speak at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the University Auditorium.

According to Laipply’s Web site, lifeischange.com, Laipply says he helps people “change their lives through speeches, workshops, writing, dancing, listening, living, laughing and everything else you can think of!”

Both the talent show and speech are free and open to the public.

Friday’s event, Greek Games, is the most competitive event, Baldy said. The games start at 3 p.m. at the soccer field behind the Fieldhouse. Greek Games is run like a track and field type event, and also includes volleyball and basketball tournaments, which will be held at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

“The biggest tradition of Greek Games is the chariot race,” Baldy said. “Each team has to make a chariot on their own, out of their own materials.

“It’s really funny to see what people come up with. People get really creative.”

Racing around in circles will prepare Greek members for what will be a very long, but very meaningful weekend.

Relay for Life, which starts 9 a.m. Saturday and ends 9 a.m. Sunday, is really what the week is all about, Baldy said.

Chapters raise money for the American Cancer Society and also participate in the overnight event, joining other students, faculty and community members.

Contact Greek Life reporter Carrie Rupp at [email protected].