Williams releases statement regarding this weekend’s ‘UVA Strong’ events

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

Virginia Athletics Director Carla Williams opened Tuesday’s press conference with a message for the Charlottesville community regarding this weekend’s scheduled events to honor the lives of Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr. and D’Sean Perry:

“First of all, I want to acknowledge Lavel, Devin and D’Sean and their legacies at the University of Virginia. I also want to acknowledge their parents (Dalayna and the late, Quentin Chandler, Sr., Simone and Lavel, Sr. and Happy and Sean Perry), their siblings, grandparents, aunts and so many other relatives and friends who have lost so much. We promised the family members that we would never forget their loved ones and we will keep that promise.

“I want to thank the supporters whose words of encouragement, acts of kindness and fervent prayers have sustained us over the last ten months.

“I especially want to send a message to our players. We love you. We love your fight, your determination, and your resilience. We love you because despite the adversity, you refuse to quit. The life lessons you’re learning in these moments will carry you further than you could have ever imagined. Thank you for representing this great University in the face of a storm that few will ever know or want to know.

“To the UVA and Charlottesville communities, we encourage you to not only support these players, but to support the families of Devin, Lavel and D’Sean this weekend as we celebrate their legacies. Please where orange and arrive at Wahoo Walk by 9:30 a.m. and please be in your seats by 11:30 a.m. for the pregame ceremony. Thank you and Go Hoos!”