In the wake of this summer’s violent demonstrations in Charlottesville and on Grounds, the University of Virginia’s football team posed for a team photo, arm-in-arm, on the steps of the Rotunda, affirming the power of unity and inclusion.

It won’t be a one-time – or even a one-sport – statement. On Thursday, UVA Director of Athletics Craig Littlepage announced that every Cavalier athletic team will sport a #HoosTogether patch on its uniform, throughout the 2017-18 academic year.

The patches will make their debut Saturday, when the UVA football team opens its season against the College of William & Mary in Scott Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.

“In the aftermath of the events that took place in Charlottesville this summer, the Virginia athletics department initiated the #HoosTogether campaign on social media in an effort to unite our community in support of love, diversity and inclusion,” Littlepage said Thursday afternoon. “Virginia athletics is committed to #HoosTogether and its message. We rely on it every day for our student-athletes, coaches and staff to be successful.

“We hope the patches serve as a reminder of what can be accomplished when we are united behind a common goal and we hope this effort continues to help bring our community together.

“Virginia athletics is committed to #HoosTogether and its message. We rely on it every day for our student-athletes, coaches and staff to be successful," said UVA Director of Athleics Craig Littlepage.

“We invite everyone to join #HoosTogether on social media to show your support. We hope participation in this effort will lead to conversations among those who share an interest in Virginia athletics. We also hope the diversity we rely on to be successful in athletics will foster communication, sharing and enlightenment that may have a long-term impact on all of us.”

‘Paint the Town Orange’ Rained Out

Organizers of Charlottesville’s “Fridays After Five” gatherings have cancelled Friday’s event due to anticipated inclement weather. As a result, the “Paint the Town Orange” pep rally at the Sprint Pavilion also has been canceled.

The Meet and Greet event at the Virginia Discovery Museum with Cavman and the Cavalier spirit squads, set for 5:30 to 7 p.m., will still take place as scheduled.