UNC Charlotte To Kick Off Statewide Military Veterans Sports Tournament in 2026

In spring 2026, student veterans will gather at UNC Charlotte's 49th Acre for the first-ever statewide sports tournament. The one-day event will unite former service members from North Carolina's top schools.

Players will compete in games from frisbee to dodgeball, with music playing throughout the day. SVA Charlotte chapter vice president Aaron Kempster leads the project. "Let's remove as many barriers as possible to engagement," Kempster said, according to Inside UNC Charlotte.

The games will link UNC Charlotte's 622 student veterans with peers from major state schools like NC State and UNC Chapel Hill. This new addition caps off the three-day Camo Classic, which shows off resources for those who served.

"When SVAs come to Charlotte, it builds bonds between schools," Kempster said. "It puts UNC Charlotte at the front of student veteran support across North Carolina."

The spark came when Kempster went to SVA's national meeting in Colorado Springs. There, he learned about California's tight-knit veteran groups. "In California, their SVAs are strong; they have a huge veteran community that's very engaged," Kempster said.

Before college, Kempster served in the Marine Corps with two stints at Camp Pendleton. After his service and twelve months on the road, he started at Central Piedmont Community College. Now he studies social work at UNC Charlotte as a junior.

The event welcomes all military connections: veterans, kids, spouses, and guests. They're raising money to serve free meals to everyone. "If you're military affiliated, we want you involved, and we want you to feel a sense of community.” Kempster said.

Last year's Camo Classic mixed practical help, like VA claims support, with fun contests between veterans and ROTC students. The upcoming tournament adds more activities while keeping useful resources front and center.

Want to pitch in or join the fun? Visit crowdfund.charlotte.edu to back the tournament or learn about other campus programs.