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NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) is a governing body for small colleges and universities in the United States. Here are some key facts about NAIA:

History: NAIA was founded in 1937 as the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women. It was renamed the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics in 1952.

Membership: NAIA has over 250 member institutions, mostly small colleges and universities, from 25 states and 2 Canadian provinces.

Sports: NAIA sponsors championships in 23 sports, including basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, and more.

Eligibility: NAIA has its own eligibility requirements, which are different from those of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). NAIA athletes must be at least 16 years old, have a minimum 2.0 GPA, and be enrolled in a NAIA member institution.

Championships: NAIA hosts national championships in each of its sponsored sports, with the exception of football, which has a single national championship game.

Scholarships: NAIA offers scholarships to its student-athletes, with the average scholarship award ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per year.

Philosophy: NAIA emphasizes the importance of balancing athletics with academic achievement and personal development. Its mission is to "promote character-driven athletics" and provide opportunities for student-athletes to succeed in all aspects of their lives.

Overall, NAIA provides a competitive and supportive environment for student-athletes at small colleges and universities, with a focus on academic excellence, personal growth, and athletic achievement.