From the Carolina Hurricanes official website:
In what is becoming the traditional way to kick off the new hockey season, Hurricanes Head Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Coach Pete Friesen will hold his Friesen's 5K Fun Run on Sunday, September 9th.
Last year's inaugural run was a huge success as over 2,000 people, including Hurricanes players and coaches, participated in the event, which raised over $21,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Eastern North Carolina.
"We were only expecting about 500 people, so last year's event was beyond our wildest dreams," said Friesen. "We were just trying to celebrate the Stanley Cup and show our fans some appreciation for all they did, and they turned around and showed us a lot.”
Click here to read how the event got started and who will participate.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
Chicago Bears Win Prestigious Humanitarian Award
From the Chicago Bears' official website:
The Bears were named the 2006 recipient of the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame Pro Team Community Award, which is presented annually to a pro sports organization “for extraordinary contributions to their respective community.”
The Bears are the 12th winner of the award and just the second NFL team to be recognized for community service. Honored from a pool of applicants from organizations in Major League Baseball and the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLS and NASCAR, the Bears have implemented and supported programs in the areas of education, children and families, health and wellness, youth football, volunteerism and civic initiatives.
Roberto Garza often visits schools and is very involved in the Hispanic community.“I think it just speaks to the fact that there are a lot of guys on the team that do stuff in the community,” said veteran left tackle John Tait. “You’ve got guys on the team with big hearts and they’re willing to help out.”
During 2006, Bears players and staff members made 261 community appearances primarily at schools, hospitals, health organizations and youth agencies. Many of the appearances occurred on Tuesdays during the football season, which is the designated off day for all NFL players.
Click here to read more about the work the Bears' organization did to earn this award.
The Bears were named the 2006 recipient of the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame Pro Team Community Award, which is presented annually to a pro sports organization “for extraordinary contributions to their respective community.”
The Bears are the 12th winner of the award and just the second NFL team to be recognized for community service. Honored from a pool of applicants from organizations in Major League Baseball and the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLS and NASCAR, the Bears have implemented and supported programs in the areas of education, children and families, health and wellness, youth football, volunteerism and civic initiatives.
Roberto Garza often visits schools and is very involved in the Hispanic community.“I think it just speaks to the fact that there are a lot of guys on the team that do stuff in the community,” said veteran left tackle John Tait. “You’ve got guys on the team with big hearts and they’re willing to help out.”
During 2006, Bears players and staff members made 261 community appearances primarily at schools, hospitals, health organizations and youth agencies. Many of the appearances occurred on Tuesdays during the football season, which is the designated off day for all NFL players.
Click here to read more about the work the Bears' organization did to earn this award.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Blake Carves Niche in NBA With Character
Steve Blake has a special place in my heart. He was the point guard at my school, the University of Maryland, when they won the 2002 National Championship. It was expected that he would make much of an impact in the NBA, but low expectations is nothing new for Blake. Neither is exceeding them.
Blake recently signed a 3-year, $12 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. From the Baltimore Sun:
This is the story of how Blake did it - how he overcame initial jitters ("I was so nervous my legs got weak"), how his family helped him keep faith despite playing for four teams the past three seasons (this will be his second stint with the Blazers), and how he waited for the right situation with a team that appreciates him.
Blake created his NBA niche largely on character. The Blazers, trying to reconnect with fans after a spate of player misconduct in recent years, said they wanted Blake because he's grounded. Although Blake's career scoring average is only 6.4 points, the team's front office saw him as a prototype for the unselfish, blue-collar culture it is trying to create. He's proof that today's NBA teams - out of necessity - evaluate players on more than just statistics.
Click here to read how Blake, with the strong support of his family, has made it this far.
Blake recently signed a 3-year, $12 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. From the Baltimore Sun:
This is the story of how Blake did it - how he overcame initial jitters ("I was so nervous my legs got weak"), how his family helped him keep faith despite playing for four teams the past three seasons (this will be his second stint with the Blazers), and how he waited for the right situation with a team that appreciates him.
Blake created his NBA niche largely on character. The Blazers, trying to reconnect with fans after a spate of player misconduct in recent years, said they wanted Blake because he's grounded. Although Blake's career scoring average is only 6.4 points, the team's front office saw him as a prototype for the unselfish, blue-collar culture it is trying to create. He's proof that today's NBA teams - out of necessity - evaluate players on more than just statistics.
Click here to read how Blake, with the strong support of his family, has made it this far.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
NCAA Division II SAAC Does Top Rated Work Rasing Funds
From the NCAA's official website:
From car washes to change drives to bake sales and even kickball tournaments, members of the NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and their respective communities rallied together to raise $208,022 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation during the 2006-07 academic year. The final total more than doubled the group’s fundraising goal for the year and represented 100 percent participation from all Division II conferences.
“One of the many initiatives that make Division II unique is the commitment from SAAC to represent service through the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” said Mike Racy, Division II Vice President. “Our student-athletes have taken great pride and ownership of this issue and have built upon its success year after year. They are an illustration of why the attribute of service is so important to our division.”
The Division II SAAC has a longstanding commitment to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants the heartfelt wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. The student-athlete group has raised almost $500,000 since the launch of its fundraising initiative for the charity, with the most recent efforts marking the largest amount raised by the group in any single academic year.
Click here to read more about this effort and those who it will benefit.
From car washes to change drives to bake sales and even kickball tournaments, members of the NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and their respective communities rallied together to raise $208,022 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation during the 2006-07 academic year. The final total more than doubled the group’s fundraising goal for the year and represented 100 percent participation from all Division II conferences.
“One of the many initiatives that make Division II unique is the commitment from SAAC to represent service through the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” said Mike Racy, Division II Vice President. “Our student-athletes have taken great pride and ownership of this issue and have built upon its success year after year. They are an illustration of why the attribute of service is so important to our division.”
The Division II SAAC has a longstanding commitment to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants the heartfelt wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. The student-athlete group has raised almost $500,000 since the launch of its fundraising initiative for the charity, with the most recent efforts marking the largest amount raised by the group in any single academic year.
Click here to read more about this effort and those who it will benefit.
Friday, August 10, 2007
49er's Alex Smith Has a Hands-On Foundation
When Alex Smith became the number one pick in the 2005 NFL draft, he knew he would have the resources to help his community in a significant way. He didn't just want to write checks, however. He wanted to directly affective lives.
From AOL.com:
After he was the top pick in the 2005 NFL draft, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith knew what he did and did not want to do with his foundation.
Smith wanted to start one, and he wanted to involve his family.
Smith did not want a foundation that organized one lavish event, barely raising any money, and he did not want to be clueless about the cause he would support.
“There were a lot of athletes who were happy to say they had a foundation,” Smith said. “They didn’t know where the money was going or what they were doing. They just wanted to have a golf tournament.”
Smith quickly found his foundation’s calling. Shortly after the draft, Smith visited with some foster youth around his age, and he marveled at how much their stories contrasted to his.
Click here to read how Alex Smith and his foundation are making a difference in the lives of youth who needed a strong positive influence.
Click here to learn more about the Alex Smith foundation.
From AOL.com:
After he was the top pick in the 2005 NFL draft, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith knew what he did and did not want to do with his foundation.
Smith wanted to start one, and he wanted to involve his family.
Smith did not want a foundation that organized one lavish event, barely raising any money, and he did not want to be clueless about the cause he would support.
“There were a lot of athletes who were happy to say they had a foundation,” Smith said. “They didn’t know where the money was going or what they were doing. They just wanted to have a golf tournament.”
Smith quickly found his foundation’s calling. Shortly after the draft, Smith visited with some foster youth around his age, and he marveled at how much their stories contrasted to his.
Click here to read how Alex Smith and his foundation are making a difference in the lives of youth who needed a strong positive influence.
Click here to learn more about the Alex Smith foundation.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Going Out of Her Way to Make a Difference
From the NCAA's official website:
Brianna O’Donnell not only talks about making a difference -- she is actually doing it.
The sophomore field hockey goalkeeper from the University of North Carolina has gone on two lengthy trips to Kenya over the past year, volunteering at an orphanage in Kibera -- the world’s second-largest slum -- in the capital city of Nairobi. Her main objective was improving the children’s quality of life.
O’Donnell made her first trek to Kenya last December, staying for three weeks as a participant in the Global Volunteer Network program. She immediately fell in love with the children, and knew this was a cause she could not just walk away from.
In May, O’Donnell went back to help the same orphanage where she had worked during winter break. She wrote her family and close friends a letter, asking for donations that would directly make marked improvements at the orphanage. The native of Collegeville, Pa., raised $7,500 in four weeks, a sum she knew could really help.
Click here to read how much difference one field hockey goalie made overseas.
Brianna O’Donnell not only talks about making a difference -- she is actually doing it.
The sophomore field hockey goalkeeper from the University of North Carolina has gone on two lengthy trips to Kenya over the past year, volunteering at an orphanage in Kibera -- the world’s second-largest slum -- in the capital city of Nairobi. Her main objective was improving the children’s quality of life.
O’Donnell made her first trek to Kenya last December, staying for three weeks as a participant in the Global Volunteer Network program. She immediately fell in love with the children, and knew this was a cause she could not just walk away from.
In May, O’Donnell went back to help the same orphanage where she had worked during winter break. She wrote her family and close friends a letter, asking for donations that would directly make marked improvements at the orphanage. The native of Collegeville, Pa., raised $7,500 in four weeks, a sum she knew could really help.
Click here to read how much difference one field hockey goalie made overseas.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Teammates Show Hickerson Love on His Special Day
Former Cleveland Browns guard Gene Hickerson waited for 29 years to gain election into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Sadly, by the time the honor came, he was well into a battle with Alzheimer's disease and could not truly appreciate or enjoy it.
That did not stop a large contingent of his former teammates from sharing the day with him;
From the Cleveland Browns' official website:
Bobby Franklin, who played for the Browns from 1960-66, gave a stirring presentation speech for his dear friend with whom he lived when they were young players in Cleveland. Afraid all along that he would become too emotional during the speech, his worse fears were realized.
But it was all good. Very good and very poignant.
"I love Gene Hickerson as if he were my brother, and I would like you all to love him, too," Franklin said.
"Normally, Gene would come out here and crack a joke or two and tell you how thrilled he is, but unfortunately, he will not be able to do that," Franklin said.
But a number of Hickerson's former teammates came from all parts of the country to personally show their respect and admiration for No. 66's grand, long-awaited accomplishment. Although he probably doesn't have much grasp of the moment, they knew they had to be there for him.
And for Bob Hickerson, whose voice quivered a number of times as he gave the acceptance speech on behalf of his father.
And for Franklin, to help get him through the night. The man they have long called Wavy couldn't be allowed to waver.
Join hands and help one another. Make sure everyone got to where they needed to go.
Together.
Click here to read more about this moving story, including a special escort Hickerson received from some of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
That did not stop a large contingent of his former teammates from sharing the day with him;
From the Cleveland Browns' official website:
Bobby Franklin, who played for the Browns from 1960-66, gave a stirring presentation speech for his dear friend with whom he lived when they were young players in Cleveland. Afraid all along that he would become too emotional during the speech, his worse fears were realized.
But it was all good. Very good and very poignant.
"I love Gene Hickerson as if he were my brother, and I would like you all to love him, too," Franklin said.
"Normally, Gene would come out here and crack a joke or two and tell you how thrilled he is, but unfortunately, he will not be able to do that," Franklin said.
But a number of Hickerson's former teammates came from all parts of the country to personally show their respect and admiration for No. 66's grand, long-awaited accomplishment. Although he probably doesn't have much grasp of the moment, they knew they had to be there for him.
And for Bob Hickerson, whose voice quivered a number of times as he gave the acceptance speech on behalf of his father.
And for Franklin, to help get him through the night. The man they have long called Wavy couldn't be allowed to waver.
Join hands and help one another. Make sure everyone got to where they needed to go.
Together.
Click here to read more about this moving story, including a special escort Hickerson received from some of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Making a Difference at the Grass Roots Level
Just because a professional athelte participates in a sport that's not featured on ESPN's SportsCenter every night doesn't mean he can't make a difference in his community. He just has to roll up his (or her) sleeves and work at the grass roots level.
That's just what Christian Cook, who plays for the Washington Bayhawks of Major League Lacrosse does.
From the MLL website:
Major League Lacrosse is unlike most professional sports organizations in that its athletes are made far more accessible to fans than in any other sport. League members also give a great deal of their time using lacrosse as a vehicle for community service. Christian Cook, defenseman for the Washington Bayhawks, is a great example of both of these values.
“I give my email to kids that have questions, and I make myself as available as possible,” he said. “I get a lot of questions from parents asking if I can help their child and I am glad to offer my time as often as possible. “Though Cook is a definite talent on the lacrosse field, something else makes him stand above the crowd. He realizes the vitality of community activism.
“I offer my time to anything I can in order to help promote lacrosse,” he said. “The US team holds clinics as well as Washington team clinics and camps. Whenever I have time, I enjoy helping out.”
Cook’s main focus in the community is Winner’s Lacrosse, also known as the Washington Inner City Lacrosse Foundation. The nonprofit organization strives not only to teach inner city kids about an exciting sport, but also to impress upon them the importance of hard work, integrity, teamwork, and moral values. Winner’s Lacrosse was launched in 2000 by Tom Mchugh and Bruce Baschauk and is run by Adora Curry.
Winner’s Lacrosse, being a nonprofit organization, is always in need of financial support. “I donate a portion of my salary to Winner’s Lacrosse; I feel it is a great opportunity for me to give back to the sport that has done so much for me,” said Cook. “It was natural to donate a portion of my game check each week to the program, since I am fortunate enough to earn a paycheck to play lacrosse.”
You probably had not heard of Christian Cook before reading this post. I know I hadn't, but I'm glad I have now.
Click here to read more about Cook and his efforts in the community.
That's just what Christian Cook, who plays for the Washington Bayhawks of Major League Lacrosse does.
From the MLL website:
Major League Lacrosse is unlike most professional sports organizations in that its athletes are made far more accessible to fans than in any other sport. League members also give a great deal of their time using lacrosse as a vehicle for community service. Christian Cook, defenseman for the Washington Bayhawks, is a great example of both of these values.
“I give my email to kids that have questions, and I make myself as available as possible,” he said. “I get a lot of questions from parents asking if I can help their child and I am glad to offer my time as often as possible. “Though Cook is a definite talent on the lacrosse field, something else makes him stand above the crowd. He realizes the vitality of community activism.
“I offer my time to anything I can in order to help promote lacrosse,” he said. “The US team holds clinics as well as Washington team clinics and camps. Whenever I have time, I enjoy helping out.”
Cook’s main focus in the community is Winner’s Lacrosse, also known as the Washington Inner City Lacrosse Foundation. The nonprofit organization strives not only to teach inner city kids about an exciting sport, but also to impress upon them the importance of hard work, integrity, teamwork, and moral values. Winner’s Lacrosse was launched in 2000 by Tom Mchugh and Bruce Baschauk and is run by Adora Curry.
Winner’s Lacrosse, being a nonprofit organization, is always in need of financial support. “I donate a portion of my salary to Winner’s Lacrosse; I feel it is a great opportunity for me to give back to the sport that has done so much for me,” said Cook. “It was natural to donate a portion of my game check each week to the program, since I am fortunate enough to earn a paycheck to play lacrosse.”
You probably had not heard of Christian Cook before reading this post. I know I hadn't, but I'm glad I have now.
Click here to read more about Cook and his efforts in the community.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Motivated to Overcome Near Tragedy
As college football camps open across the nation, there are plenty of stories about players coming back from serious injuries. Few if any of them, however, had further to come back than Abe Qaoud, a wide receiver from Northwest Missouri State.
From the NCAA's official website:
It’s been less than eight months since the wide receiver suffered third-degree burns on his legs in an apartment fire last January, and Qaoud has undergone a long, grueling recovery. In addition to the burns, which doctors performed six skin graft surgeries on, Qaoud also fractured an eye socket and some ribs after jumping three stories to safety.
Qaoud spent six weeks in the hospital and the main thing that kept him motivated was the goal of playing football again. With support from his coaches and teammates, and especially the school’s assistant athletic trainer Kelly Quinlin, he has been able to come back to the football field in only five months since being released from the hospital on March 9, much faster than the 18 month-long rehabilitation the doctors predicted.
The doctors would only release Qaoud from the hospital if he had appropriate care to attend to his wounds, and rather than send him to a nursing facility, Quinlin volunteered to have him live with her and her family.
“Kelly is an amazing person,” said Qaoud. “She basically put my on her shoulders, told me what to do, I did it and it all worked. I was put in the right position with the right people.”
Click here to read more about Qaoud's comeback and those who have helped him come so far so quickly.
From the NCAA's official website:
It’s been less than eight months since the wide receiver suffered third-degree burns on his legs in an apartment fire last January, and Qaoud has undergone a long, grueling recovery. In addition to the burns, which doctors performed six skin graft surgeries on, Qaoud also fractured an eye socket and some ribs after jumping three stories to safety.
Qaoud spent six weeks in the hospital and the main thing that kept him motivated was the goal of playing football again. With support from his coaches and teammates, and especially the school’s assistant athletic trainer Kelly Quinlin, he has been able to come back to the football field in only five months since being released from the hospital on March 9, much faster than the 18 month-long rehabilitation the doctors predicted.
The doctors would only release Qaoud from the hospital if he had appropriate care to attend to his wounds, and rather than send him to a nursing facility, Quinlin volunteered to have him live with her and her family.
“Kelly is an amazing person,” said Qaoud. “She basically put my on her shoulders, told me what to do, I did it and it all worked. I was put in the right position with the right people.”
Click here to read more about Qaoud's comeback and those who have helped him come so far so quickly.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
NBA Holding "Basketball Without Borders" in Brazil
The NBA is conducting the third annual "Basketball Without Borders" event in Sao Paulo, Brazil this week. Here are some highlights so far:
Day 2: ...more than 60 Special Olympics athletes visited the BWB Americas headquarters at Esporte Clube Pinheiros to tip-off the camp's community outreach. The clinic gave guest athletes the opportunity to work on their passing, shooting and rebounding skills alongside NBA stars. Kids were thrilled to share the court with some of the league's best, and left the gym with happy faces and unforgettable memories.
Day 3: NBA players and coaches continued their commitment to community outreach by participating in an NBA Cares Legacy Project, the league’s premiere outreach activity, where a state-of-art Learn & Play Center was dedicated at Coliseu Favela in Sao Paulo. In partnership with Nike, CUFA (Central Unica das Favelas) and Rede Jovem (Youth Net), the NBA donated two newly refurbished basketball courts and a multimedia room with 15 laptop computers donated by Lenovo.
As part of the NBA’s commitment to building long-term projects that help develop kids in underserved areas, the courts and multimedia room will be staffed by Rede Jovem with basketball coaches and tutors, respectively, for a full year following the dedication ceremony. To date, the NBA and its teams have created 185 places to live, learn and play globally, 45 of which are outside of the United States.
It's good to see that the NBA's global outreach goes beyond generating revenue for the league and also gives back to international communities.
Click on the NBA Global site to read more about this event.
Day 2: ...more than 60 Special Olympics athletes visited the BWB Americas headquarters at Esporte Clube Pinheiros to tip-off the camp's community outreach. The clinic gave guest athletes the opportunity to work on their passing, shooting and rebounding skills alongside NBA stars. Kids were thrilled to share the court with some of the league's best, and left the gym with happy faces and unforgettable memories.
Day 3: NBA players and coaches continued their commitment to community outreach by participating in an NBA Cares Legacy Project, the league’s premiere outreach activity, where a state-of-art Learn & Play Center was dedicated at Coliseu Favela in Sao Paulo. In partnership with Nike, CUFA (Central Unica das Favelas) and Rede Jovem (Youth Net), the NBA donated two newly refurbished basketball courts and a multimedia room with 15 laptop computers donated by Lenovo.
As part of the NBA’s commitment to building long-term projects that help develop kids in underserved areas, the courts and multimedia room will be staffed by Rede Jovem with basketball coaches and tutors, respectively, for a full year following the dedication ceremony. To date, the NBA and its teams have created 185 places to live, learn and play globally, 45 of which are outside of the United States.
It's good to see that the NBA's global outreach goes beyond generating revenue for the league and also gives back to international communities.
Click on the NBA Global site to read more about this event.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Hokies Step Toward Normalcy by Stepping on the Field
Virginia Tech football, no stranger to the media, will receive more attention than ever this season for all the wrong reasons. Everyone will want to see how the school recovers from the massacre last April, where a gunman's shooting spree killed 32 people.
Another step in that recovery began Thursday when football practice started. This from ESPN.com's Joe Schad:
"I think it's a relief," Virginia Tech quarterback Sean Glennon said. "We've been asked so many questions. There's been so much media attention. 'When are you going to get back out there?' Now it's good to have all these questions behind us. Just to be back out here and to be with my teammates. It feels good to be out here throwing the football around. I missed it."
There were many messages delivered by Coach Frank Beamer in a Wednesday evening team meeting. And in a group huddle on the practice field 15 minutes into Thursday's practice.
• Embrace and live up to high expectations.
• Play not just for yourself, but for others.
• Be leaders for the university.
• Be stronger than ever.
In the middle of the practice field, attached high on a coaching tower, hung a sign that read: "VT: Team United. Strength In Unity." Above that sign was a flag with the school-endorsed logo honoring the 32 people who lost their lives at the hands of an on-campus shooter.
"People look up to us and expect us to bring the university back together," backup quarterback Ike Whitaker said. "As a family we want to move forward but at the same time bring them with us."
Beamer does not want his players to forget those who died or were injured.
"All of us have to work hard to give this school, give this community, give the alumni something to be proud of," Beamer said. "And that means getting out here and getting a little bit better every day."
For players like Ike Whitaker, who has had some serious off the field issues, that message is very important. What Beamer told his team would be appropriate for any season, but it takes on extra meaning this year. Kudos to him for not avoiding the legacy of the tragedy but instead taking a straight forward approach to it.
I can't think of a better way he and his team could honor the memories of those whose lives were lost.
Click here to read the rest of Schad's article.
Another step in that recovery began Thursday when football practice started. This from ESPN.com's Joe Schad:
"I think it's a relief," Virginia Tech quarterback Sean Glennon said. "We've been asked so many questions. There's been so much media attention. 'When are you going to get back out there?' Now it's good to have all these questions behind us. Just to be back out here and to be with my teammates. It feels good to be out here throwing the football around. I missed it."
There were many messages delivered by Coach Frank Beamer in a Wednesday evening team meeting. And in a group huddle on the practice field 15 minutes into Thursday's practice.
• Embrace and live up to high expectations.
• Play not just for yourself, but for others.
• Be leaders for the university.
• Be stronger than ever.
In the middle of the practice field, attached high on a coaching tower, hung a sign that read: "VT: Team United. Strength In Unity." Above that sign was a flag with the school-endorsed logo honoring the 32 people who lost their lives at the hands of an on-campus shooter.
"People look up to us and expect us to bring the university back together," backup quarterback Ike Whitaker said. "As a family we want to move forward but at the same time bring them with us."
Beamer does not want his players to forget those who died or were injured.
"All of us have to work hard to give this school, give this community, give the alumni something to be proud of," Beamer said. "And that means getting out here and getting a little bit better every day."
For players like Ike Whitaker, who has had some serious off the field issues, that message is very important. What Beamer told his team would be appropriate for any season, but it takes on extra meaning this year. Kudos to him for not avoiding the legacy of the tragedy but instead taking a straight forward approach to it.
I can't think of a better way he and his team could honor the memories of those whose lives were lost.
Click here to read the rest of Schad's article.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
MLS Supports Right To Play
From the Major League Soccer official website:
Right To Play, a world leader in using sport for child development and peace, in partnership with MLS W.O.R.K.S., Major League Soccer's first league-wide community outreach initiative, announced today at the 2007 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game that 20 MLS soccer stars from around the league have joined Right To Play as Athlete Ambassadors to raise awareness and funds to help children in the world's most disadvantaged places.
The announcement and official launch of the Right To Play/MLS W.O.R.K.S. partnership will take place at the 2007 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game between the MLS All-Stars and Celtic FC at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. (Live on ESPN2 and Galavision, 9:00 p.m. ET).
The Los Angeles Galaxy's Cobi Jones and the New York Red Bulls' Claudio Reyna headline the list of MLS players who join an international team of athletes supporting Right To Play.
"As a professional athlete I know how important sport and play is growing up," said Jones. "I'm excited to get a chance to support Right To Play and its dedication to using sport and play to improve the lives of children globally."
Click here to read more about this MLS initiative.
You can also check out the Right to Play website.
Right To Play, a world leader in using sport for child development and peace, in partnership with MLS W.O.R.K.S., Major League Soccer's first league-wide community outreach initiative, announced today at the 2007 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game that 20 MLS soccer stars from around the league have joined Right To Play as Athlete Ambassadors to raise awareness and funds to help children in the world's most disadvantaged places.
The announcement and official launch of the Right To Play/MLS W.O.R.K.S. partnership will take place at the 2007 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game between the MLS All-Stars and Celtic FC at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. (Live on ESPN2 and Galavision, 9:00 p.m. ET).
The Los Angeles Galaxy's Cobi Jones and the New York Red Bulls' Claudio Reyna headline the list of MLS players who join an international team of athletes supporting Right To Play.
"As a professional athlete I know how important sport and play is growing up," said Jones. "I'm excited to get a chance to support Right To Play and its dedication to using sport and play to improve the lives of children globally."
Click here to read more about this MLS initiative.
You can also check out the Right to Play website.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
NHL Stars Play for Charity in Sweeden
From NHL.com.
The professional hockey community always has been very active in charitable endeavors. Combine the opportunity to get together with old friends and teammates on the ice in exhibition games with the chance to raise money for worthy charities and you have Sweden’s Icebreakers team.
The brainchild of NHL superstars Peter Forsberg and Markus Naslund, the Icebreakers were founded in 2002. Through his participation in country music star Garth Brooks’ Teammates for Kids organization in the United States, Forsberg suggested forming a similar organization in Sweden, where such large-scale celebrity charities weren’t quite as common.
He and lifelong friend Näslund had little trouble recruiting a team of fellow Swedish NHL players and players from Elitserien (the Swedish Elite League). Forsberg and Näslund both hail from the small city of Örnsköldsvik, which lies in the Swedish län (extended county) of Västernorrland.
Through the establishment of an organization called Hockeyproffsens Stiftelse (The Hockey Pros’ Foundation), for which Forsberg provided the start-up funding, the Icebreakers raise money for children’s charities and hospitals throughout Västernorrland, which also includes the cities of Sundsvall, Timrå, Härnosand, Sollefteå, Kramfors and Ånge. A host of other Swedish NHLers also contributed their own money to the foundation and time to the Icebreakers.
“It feels unbelievably good and stimulating to work for this cause,” says Näslund. “It’s an incredible joy to experience the reaction and gratitude we get from the sick children.”
Click here to read more about the Icebreakers and the organizations they have helped.
The professional hockey community always has been very active in charitable endeavors. Combine the opportunity to get together with old friends and teammates on the ice in exhibition games with the chance to raise money for worthy charities and you have Sweden’s Icebreakers team.
The brainchild of NHL superstars Peter Forsberg and Markus Naslund, the Icebreakers were founded in 2002. Through his participation in country music star Garth Brooks’ Teammates for Kids organization in the United States, Forsberg suggested forming a similar organization in Sweden, where such large-scale celebrity charities weren’t quite as common.
He and lifelong friend Näslund had little trouble recruiting a team of fellow Swedish NHL players and players from Elitserien (the Swedish Elite League). Forsberg and Näslund both hail from the small city of Örnsköldsvik, which lies in the Swedish län (extended county) of Västernorrland.
Through the establishment of an organization called Hockeyproffsens Stiftelse (The Hockey Pros’ Foundation), for which Forsberg provided the start-up funding, the Icebreakers raise money for children’s charities and hospitals throughout Västernorrland, which also includes the cities of Sundsvall, Timrå, Härnosand, Sollefteå, Kramfors and Ånge. A host of other Swedish NHLers also contributed their own money to the foundation and time to the Icebreakers.
“It feels unbelievably good and stimulating to work for this cause,” says Näslund. “It’s an incredible joy to experience the reaction and gratitude we get from the sick children.”
Click here to read more about the Icebreakers and the organizations they have helped.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
NCAA and Habitat for Humanity Score Big
From the NCAA's official website:
Last November, Pensacola, Florida opened its doors to the NCAA Division II Fall Championships Festival with more than 800 student-athletes competing for six national championships. Approximately 400 of those student-athletes, coaches and administrators returned the favor to the hurricane-affected city by volunteering to help construct six new homes with local residents. They did this as part of the NCAA Home Team, a partnership between the NCAA and Habitat for Humanity International. Another 100 volunteers from local Division II institution University of West Florida also contributed to the build.
Over a three-day period during the festival, volunteers worked to complete the exteriors for three homes on their slab foundations at the intersection of Idlewood Drive and Larkfield Circle and framed another three homes at Brosnaham Park, one of the championship venues. Those house frames were later moved to their permanent locations for completion.
In the past eight months since the conclusion of the Festival, the Pensacola Habitat for Humanity staff and volunteers worked with area high school volunteers and Habitat partner families to complete the homes. Now living in the completed homes, the six families could not be more pleased.
It's great that a bunch of athletes that aren't likely to see the big time in sports still made such an impact in what's truly important, people's lives.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Last November, Pensacola, Florida opened its doors to the NCAA Division II Fall Championships Festival with more than 800 student-athletes competing for six national championships. Approximately 400 of those student-athletes, coaches and administrators returned the favor to the hurricane-affected city by volunteering to help construct six new homes with local residents. They did this as part of the NCAA Home Team, a partnership between the NCAA and Habitat for Humanity International. Another 100 volunteers from local Division II institution University of West Florida also contributed to the build.
Over a three-day period during the festival, volunteers worked to complete the exteriors for three homes on their slab foundations at the intersection of Idlewood Drive and Larkfield Circle and framed another three homes at Brosnaham Park, one of the championship venues. Those house frames were later moved to their permanent locations for completion.
In the past eight months since the conclusion of the Festival, the Pensacola Habitat for Humanity staff and volunteers worked with area high school volunteers and Habitat partner families to complete the homes. Now living in the completed homes, the six families could not be more pleased.
It's great that a bunch of athletes that aren't likely to see the big time in sports still made such an impact in what's truly important, people's lives.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Monday, July 30, 2007
No Problems Being in Their Brothers' Shadows
There are plenty of cases in both entertainment and sports where younger siblings in the same line of work are unable to move beyond the shadows cast by their more successful elder. Unfortunately, that situation often results in tension and bitterness, but not in the case of Bill Ripken and Chris Gwynn.
You are probably much more familiar with their older brothers, Cal Ripken and Tony Gwynn, who were both enshrined in the baseball Hall of Fame yeseterday. Nobody was happier for them than their younger brothers.
Jerry Crasnick wrote a column about the brothers for ESPN.com. Both come across with a deep pride in their older brothers' accomplishments and no regrets about their careers.
Click here to read Crasnick's column.
You are probably much more familiar with their older brothers, Cal Ripken and Tony Gwynn, who were both enshrined in the baseball Hall of Fame yeseterday. Nobody was happier for them than their younger brothers.
Jerry Crasnick wrote a column about the brothers for ESPN.com. Both come across with a deep pride in their older brothers' accomplishments and no regrets about their careers.
Click here to read Crasnick's column.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Tyler Breaks Amazing Streak to Honor Iron Man Ripken
Newly enshrined baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken is known for his streak of playing in 2,632 consecutive major league games, but ironically his induction is also responsible for ending what is perhaps a more amazing streak, certainly a longer one.
Ernie Tyler, a legend among Baltimore Orioles fans, first assumed his position as umpire attendant at old Memorial Stadium on opening day 1960. He had not missed a game since than, covering 3,769 games over 47 1/2 seasons. His streak ended Saturday night because he had travelled up to Cooperstown, at Ripken's personal invitation, to witness Cal's induction ceremony.
"I saw him was he was 12 years old. I knew his father well," Tyler said Thursday. "What better time to do it than to go now? When I heard he wanted me to go to Cooperstown, how could I say no? The streak doesn't mean that much when you're thinking about your relationship with the Ripken family."
That kind of loyalty is what you would expect from someone who doesn't miss a day of work in 47 years.
Click here to read the Yahoo Sports story on Ernie Tyler.
Ernie Tyler, a legend among Baltimore Orioles fans, first assumed his position as umpire attendant at old Memorial Stadium on opening day 1960. He had not missed a game since than, covering 3,769 games over 47 1/2 seasons. His streak ended Saturday night because he had travelled up to Cooperstown, at Ripken's personal invitation, to witness Cal's induction ceremony.
"I saw him was he was 12 years old. I knew his father well," Tyler said Thursday. "What better time to do it than to go now? When I heard he wanted me to go to Cooperstown, how could I say no? The streak doesn't mean that much when you're thinking about your relationship with the Ripken family."
That kind of loyalty is what you would expect from someone who doesn't miss a day of work in 47 years.
Click here to read the Yahoo Sports story on Ernie Tyler.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Albert Pujols Stays Humble
Humility seems to be a rare quality in star athletes these days, but St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols has a good healthy dose of it.
“Just because I’ve got God in my heart and I’m a great baseball player, that doesn’t mean that I’m perfect. I’m just a human person just like everybody else here, and I make mistakes. Only God was perfect. He’s obviously using me by giving me this platform so I can honor Him and get to know more people and just share the gospel with those who need.”
Pujols and his wife Deidre have three children, the oldest of which has Down's Syndrome. In 2005, he established the Pujols Family Foundation, dedicated to "faith, family, others" to help support families dealing with Down's Syndrome along with impoverished families and children in his native country, the Dominican Republic.
Yes, Pujols had a brief public snit about not playing in the All-Star game, but his body of work indicates he doesn't spend much time dwelling on such things.
Click here to read more about how Albert Pujols stays grounded at Crosswalk.com.
“Just because I’ve got God in my heart and I’m a great baseball player, that doesn’t mean that I’m perfect. I’m just a human person just like everybody else here, and I make mistakes. Only God was perfect. He’s obviously using me by giving me this platform so I can honor Him and get to know more people and just share the gospel with those who need.”
Pujols and his wife Deidre have three children, the oldest of which has Down's Syndrome. In 2005, he established the Pujols Family Foundation, dedicated to "faith, family, others" to help support families dealing with Down's Syndrome along with impoverished families and children in his native country, the Dominican Republic.
Yes, Pujols had a brief public snit about not playing in the All-Star game, but his body of work indicates he doesn't spend much time dwelling on such things.
Click here to read more about how Albert Pujols stays grounded at Crosswalk.com.
Friday, July 27, 2007
"Good News Is All Around Us In The Sports World"
That's the title of Gene Wojciechowski's column on ESPN.com today. Like me, he's tired of hearing about Michael Vick, Barry Bonds et al, so he sniffed out a few good news stories:
Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis establishing a facility to house adults with special needs.
Chicago Cubs pither Kerry Wood hosting a bowling charity event that raised over $300k.
Houston Rockets' center Dikembe Mutombo's efforts to raise $15 million toward the construction of a hospital in his native Democratic Republic of Congo.
These are only a few highlights of the many good news stories Wojciechowski covers. Click here to read his column for a deep breath of fresh air.
Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis establishing a facility to house adults with special needs.
Chicago Cubs pither Kerry Wood hosting a bowling charity event that raised over $300k.
Houston Rockets' center Dikembe Mutombo's efforts to raise $15 million toward the construction of a hospital in his native Democratic Republic of Congo.
These are only a few highlights of the many good news stories Wojciechowski covers. Click here to read his column for a deep breath of fresh air.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Brett Butler Perseveres With Class
Brett Butler, who had a 17-year career in the major leagues with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers, is trying to work his way back to the show as a manager.
We take you to an evening early in Butler's latest assignment, shepherding the Class AA Mobile BayBears of the Southern League.
"There was a point he got into an argument with the umpire and he was really going off," begins BayBears team president and part owner Bill Shanahan.
"I called up [to the press box] on the walkie-talkie and told them to turn off the music. Turn off everything. I knew he wasn't going to swear, and I wanted to hear what was going on.
"Another manager in the past, I would have turned the music up."
He had retired as a player in 1997, took some time to help finish raising the kids, did a little speaking, then began looking for someone else's kids to raise. In the meantime, he moved from Atlanta to the Phoenix area.
His wife suggested it might be time to get out of the house. Especially after beating back episodes of throat (1996) and prostate (2004) cancer. His health is sound now, Butler insists, the only lasting effect being an inability to put on weight as a result of the radiation treatments. He's 10 pounds lighter than during his playing days.
"I count it as a blessing," he said with a smile. "Most guys my age are trying to shed pounds. I'm trying to put 10 or 15 back on. I can eat anything I want, anytime."
"There are three things I love: I love the Lord, I love my family and I love baseball."
Butler is a classic example of nice guys finishing first. Don't be surprised if he winds up running a major league team in the near future.
Here's the article "Former Brave Butler shows class" from the Atlanta Journal Constitution via BPSports.net
We take you to an evening early in Butler's latest assignment, shepherding the Class AA Mobile BayBears of the Southern League.
"There was a point he got into an argument with the umpire and he was really going off," begins BayBears team president and part owner Bill Shanahan.
"I called up [to the press box] on the walkie-talkie and told them to turn off the music. Turn off everything. I knew he wasn't going to swear, and I wanted to hear what was going on.
"Another manager in the past, I would have turned the music up."
He had retired as a player in 1997, took some time to help finish raising the kids, did a little speaking, then began looking for someone else's kids to raise. In the meantime, he moved from Atlanta to the Phoenix area.
His wife suggested it might be time to get out of the house. Especially after beating back episodes of throat (1996) and prostate (2004) cancer. His health is sound now, Butler insists, the only lasting effect being an inability to put on weight as a result of the radiation treatments. He's 10 pounds lighter than during his playing days.
"I count it as a blessing," he said with a smile. "Most guys my age are trying to shed pounds. I'm trying to put 10 or 15 back on. I can eat anything I want, anytime."
"There are three things I love: I love the Lord, I love my family and I love baseball."
Butler is a classic example of nice guys finishing first. Don't be surprised if he winds up running a major league team in the near future.
Here's the article "Former Brave Butler shows class" from the Atlanta Journal Constitution via BPSports.net
Saturday, July 21, 2007
A Death In the Family
I'll be posting her sporadically, if at all, over the next few days. My brother passed away suddenly yesterday, and I'm heading up to Rochester, NY to wrap up his affairs. I would appreciate any prayers and good thoughts you are willing to offer during this time.
Friday, July 20, 2007
A Volleyball Player With a Heart for Africa
From NCAASports.com
Sometimes, just a short time spent with those in desperate need can profoundly change your life. Brigham Young University women’s volleyball Amy Schlauder had that type of experience this summer when she toured Zambia for three weeks to work with orphaned children.
Schlauder, a setter from Las Vegas, Nev., had traveled to several places, including Argentina and Russia, while she played volleyball for various U.S. regional teams growing up, and the experiences developed a desire to help others.
“I saw some things, especially kids that really touched my heart,” said Schlauder. “I wanted to go somewhere that I would be able to dedicate my time to them.”
Schlauder joined a group of 30 people of various ages from throughout the United States, including BYU women’s soccer player Amanda Draeger, in Zambia for the Mothers Without Borders project. She funded her own travel expenses with some greatly appreciated support from her parents.
Click here to read more about Schlauder's trip and what she learned from it on the NCAA's official website.
In a country ravaged by HIV/AIDS, the group focused on working with children orphaned by the disease.
Sometimes, just a short time spent with those in desperate need can profoundly change your life. Brigham Young University women’s volleyball Amy Schlauder had that type of experience this summer when she toured Zambia for three weeks to work with orphaned children.
Schlauder, a setter from Las Vegas, Nev., had traveled to several places, including Argentina and Russia, while she played volleyball for various U.S. regional teams growing up, and the experiences developed a desire to help others.
“I saw some things, especially kids that really touched my heart,” said Schlauder. “I wanted to go somewhere that I would be able to dedicate my time to them.”
Schlauder joined a group of 30 people of various ages from throughout the United States, including BYU women’s soccer player Amanda Draeger, in Zambia for the Mothers Without Borders project. She funded her own travel expenses with some greatly appreciated support from her parents.
Click here to read more about Schlauder's trip and what she learned from it on the NCAA's official website.
In a country ravaged by HIV/AIDS, the group focused on working with children orphaned by the disease.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Classic Good News: Baseball Pioneer Larry Doby
Larry Doby wasn't a good ballplayer, or a very good ballplayer.
He was a great one.
This is where we start, at recognizing the man for what he achieved, not only as a symbol.
Eleven weeks after Jackie Robinson began blazing his trail in Brooklyn, Doby did the same hard, necessary work. The leagues were different, but the games -- and the cultural trials and tribulations -- were identical.
Just as Robinson never had it made, Doby had to endure untold indignities to achieve his goal. He became a great player, and that is how he should be remembered, along with his social pioneering.
His Indians will be honoring Doby by acknowledging his retired No. 14 in an Aug. 10 ceremony commemorating Doby's 1947 debut. He deserves to stand alongside Robinson, a man he admired, in our hearts and minds.
"I went through everything Jackie did," Doby confided one night. "It just didn't get as much attention, mainly because Jack was first but also because of where he was, in New York.
"That was OK by me. I just wanted to play the game. That's all I ever cared about."
Click here to read more about Larry Doby on the Major League Baseball official website.
He was a great one.
This is where we start, at recognizing the man for what he achieved, not only as a symbol.
Eleven weeks after Jackie Robinson began blazing his trail in Brooklyn, Doby did the same hard, necessary work. The leagues were different, but the games -- and the cultural trials and tribulations -- were identical.
Just as Robinson never had it made, Doby had to endure untold indignities to achieve his goal. He became a great player, and that is how he should be remembered, along with his social pioneering.
His Indians will be honoring Doby by acknowledging his retired No. 14 in an Aug. 10 ceremony commemorating Doby's 1947 debut. He deserves to stand alongside Robinson, a man he admired, in our hearts and minds.
"I went through everything Jackie did," Doby confided one night. "It just didn't get as much attention, mainly because Jack was first but also because of where he was, in New York.
"That was OK by me. I just wanted to play the game. That's all I ever cared about."
Click here to read more about Larry Doby on the Major League Baseball official website.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
A Benefit For One of My Favorite Causes
I'm linking to this in part because my wife has recently become a breast cancer survivor and we participated in The Race For The Cure in Washington, DC. If your favorite team is having an event benefitting an important charity, please let me know and I'll be happy to post it here.
From the Minor League Baseball official website:
The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and the Susan G. Komen Foundation are excited to announce that they will be having a Breast Cancer Awareness Night at The Epicenter on Friday, July 27th. July 27th's game is a 7:05 PM contest against the Stockton Ports, the California League affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.
The Quakes have a number of things in store to support those who are fighting breast cancer. Survivors will be recognized on-field pre-game by taking the field alongside the Quakes for the National Anthem. Select members of the front-office staff of the Quakes will also be up for bid in a bachelor auction to be held during the game.
The Quakes will also show support for Breast Cancer victims and survivors by wearing special pink uniforms that will be auctioned off via silent auction during the game. Proceeds from the silent auction along with the front-office bachelor auction will benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. In addition, Friday, July 27th game features a visit by the national traveling mascot act Zooperstars! Presented by Charter Communications, Zooperstars are well-known nationally for providing superior entertainment with skits and sports-themed inflatable mascots, such as "Clammy Sosa," "Snail Ernhart," and "Roger Clammens."
From the Minor League Baseball official website:
The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and the Susan G. Komen Foundation are excited to announce that they will be having a Breast Cancer Awareness Night at The Epicenter on Friday, July 27th. July 27th's game is a 7:05 PM contest against the Stockton Ports, the California League affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.
The Quakes have a number of things in store to support those who are fighting breast cancer. Survivors will be recognized on-field pre-game by taking the field alongside the Quakes for the National Anthem. Select members of the front-office staff of the Quakes will also be up for bid in a bachelor auction to be held during the game.
The Quakes will also show support for Breast Cancer victims and survivors by wearing special pink uniforms that will be auctioned off via silent auction during the game. Proceeds from the silent auction along with the front-office bachelor auction will benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. In addition, Friday, July 27th game features a visit by the national traveling mascot act Zooperstars! Presented by Charter Communications, Zooperstars are well-known nationally for providing superior entertainment with skits and sports-themed inflatable mascots, such as "Clammy Sosa," "Snail Ernhart," and "Roger Clammens."
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Lance Allred Working to Make His Own Noise
Lance Allred’s resume looks like that of a lot of players in the NBA Summer League. There are overseas stops mixed in with a stint in the minors stateside . . . your basic stuff.
Until you get to the part about competing for the United States at the 2002 World Deaf Basketball Championships in Greece.
For even the most ardent observer of the Celts summer league games, if you didn’t read about it in his bio you wouldn’t know Allred, a 6-foot-11 center out of Weber State, is 75 percent hearing impaired. The tiny inner-ear hearing aids go unnoticed.
Allred plays hard and smart, and has a nice touch around the hoop. He’s the kind of player you could see sticking with an NBA club or certainly being a strong addition to an overseas club. In the case of the latter possibility, the stint at the World Deaf Championships gets people thinking - and not always in a positive manner.
Click here to read more about Allred in the Boston Herald.
Until you get to the part about competing for the United States at the 2002 World Deaf Basketball Championships in Greece.
For even the most ardent observer of the Celts summer league games, if you didn’t read about it in his bio you wouldn’t know Allred, a 6-foot-11 center out of Weber State, is 75 percent hearing impaired. The tiny inner-ear hearing aids go unnoticed.
Allred plays hard and smart, and has a nice touch around the hoop. He’s the kind of player you could see sticking with an NBA club or certainly being a strong addition to an overseas club. In the case of the latter possibility, the stint at the World Deaf Championships gets people thinking - and not always in a positive manner.
Click here to read more about Allred in the Boston Herald.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Jim Tressel Goes Old School
Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel was recently part of a $1 million donation to the Youngstown State (OH) football program, helping to fund a new indoor practice facility. Tressel coached at YSU for 15 years before accepting the Ohio State job in 2001.
“YSU will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Jim Tressel, who spent 15 successful seasons as head coach of the YSU Penguins football team before taking the helm of the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2001. “We believe in paying forward, and it is our pleasure to be able to give back to a university that has meant so much to us and to help a project that will serve students for years to come.”
Click here to read more about it on Youngstown State's official website.
“YSU will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Jim Tressel, who spent 15 successful seasons as head coach of the YSU Penguins football team before taking the helm of the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2001. “We believe in paying forward, and it is our pleasure to be able to give back to a university that has meant so much to us and to help a project that will serve students for years to come.”
Click here to read more about it on Youngstown State's official website.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Jonathon Blum Will Inspire Nashville
It's been a tough summer to be a Nashville Predator fan. Rumors persist of their imminent sale and relocation and they've suffered heavy losses in free agency.
Stuff like that wouldn't make Jonathon Blum blink. The Preds first round draft pick has dealt with a lot worse than that, like losing a sister and dealing with his mother fighting a life-and-death battle with cancer.
Click here to read about how Blum, the first native Californian to be picked in the first round of the NHL draft, has navigated this difficult path on the NHL's official website.
Stuff like that wouldn't make Jonathon Blum blink. The Preds first round draft pick has dealt with a lot worse than that, like losing a sister and dealing with his mother fighting a life-and-death battle with cancer.
Click here to read about how Blum, the first native Californian to be picked in the first round of the NHL draft, has navigated this difficult path on the NHL's official website.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Campbellsville Womens Hoops Team Traveled A Long Way From Home
From BP Sports:
Four members of the Campbellsville (KY) University Lady Tigers basketball team -- Kristi Ensminger of Kingstown Springs, Tenn., Juliana Brown of Antioch, Tenn., Maranda Wilkinson of Belvidere, Tenn. and Shabree Hunter of Lake Worth, Fla. -- along with former Lady Tigers coach Donna Wise and her husband George, Joanna Turpin, a Campbellsville native and student at the University of Kentucky, and Connie Alden of Titusville, Fla., spent May 5-19 in Zambia and South Africa.
Wise, who is chair of the university’s department of human performance and assistant professor of physical education and athletics, organized and coordinated the trip with Lonnie and Fran Turner, who have worked in Zambia since 1976.
The Turners are associated with Partners in Development, a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to assisting rural African communities in their efforts to improve their quality of life in areas of clean water, health care and education.
The women’s basketball program at Campbellsville University has supported PID with uniforms and equipment for several years, Wise said. She took a group to Brazil several years ago, and the Turners encouraged her to do the same in Zambia.
“This trip gave these students actual hands-on servant leadership opportunities,” Wise said. “It was a life-changing experience in many ways for all of us. Most of the people in this area live on 50 cents a day.”
Click here to read more about this trip on BPSports.net
Four members of the Campbellsville (KY) University Lady Tigers basketball team -- Kristi Ensminger of Kingstown Springs, Tenn., Juliana Brown of Antioch, Tenn., Maranda Wilkinson of Belvidere, Tenn. and Shabree Hunter of Lake Worth, Fla. -- along with former Lady Tigers coach Donna Wise and her husband George, Joanna Turpin, a Campbellsville native and student at the University of Kentucky, and Connie Alden of Titusville, Fla., spent May 5-19 in Zambia and South Africa.
Wise, who is chair of the university’s department of human performance and assistant professor of physical education and athletics, organized and coordinated the trip with Lonnie and Fran Turner, who have worked in Zambia since 1976.
The Turners are associated with Partners in Development, a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to assisting rural African communities in their efforts to improve their quality of life in areas of clean water, health care and education.
The women’s basketball program at Campbellsville University has supported PID with uniforms and equipment for several years, Wise said. She took a group to Brazil several years ago, and the Turners encouraged her to do the same in Zambia.
“This trip gave these students actual hands-on servant leadership opportunities,” Wise said. “It was a life-changing experience in many ways for all of us. Most of the people in this area live on 50 cents a day.”
Click here to read more about this trip on BPSports.net
A-10 Golf Champion Mincer Walking Appalachian Trail
From the University of Charlotte website:
A recent graduate of UNC Charlotte, former 49ers golfer Matt Mincer is finding a way to enjoy more of the great outdoors than he would ever see on a golf course -- and in doing so, raise money and awareness for a great cause. Mincer and his good friend Taylor Yoakley have embarked on a summer hike of the Appalachian Trail, in part, to benefit Blood: Water Mission.
The duo started their trek on June 15th in Maine and will be walking the historic footpath that leads all the way to Georgia. The 2,159 mile hike through 14 states is expected to take five months.
"Each person seeking to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail does so for different reasons -- for fun or exercise, self-discovery or a change of pace, make new friends, to change oneself, etc," said Mincer and Yoakley in a prepared solicitation for pledges. "While all of these in part are motivation for us, we are seeking a greater motivation, one which WILL not only change but also save lives. It is for this reason that we are going to hike in order to raise money for Africa and specifically the Blood: Water Mission's 1000 Wells project. Blood: Water Mission is a truly non-profit organization founded by the members of the Grammy Award-winning band, Jars of Clay, and is committed to clean blood and clean water to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic, to build clean wells in Africa, to support medical facilities for caring for the sick, and to make a lasting impact in the fight against poverty, injustice and oppression in Africa."
Mincer and Yoakley go on to explain that one dollar can provide one African with fresh water for a year and that a "penny-per-mile" pledge can provide nearly 22 people with fresh water for a year. $1,000 will build a freshwater well for a village of 10,000 for a lifetime.
Mincer, the 2007 Atlantic 10 individual golf champion, led Charlotte to its second straight A-10 title, this year. He also keyed the 49ers run at the NCAA Championship, where Charlotte placed tied for third behind Stanford and Georgia, matching the 49ers' best-ever NCAA finish in any sport. He retired with 49ers' school records for 18-hole score (-8, 64 at the 2007 A-10 Championships) and 54-hole tournament score (-14, 202 at the 2007 A-10 Championships and the 2004 49er Collegiate).
Click on the link above to download a plede form so you can support Mincer's effort.
A recent graduate of UNC Charlotte, former 49ers golfer Matt Mincer is finding a way to enjoy more of the great outdoors than he would ever see on a golf course -- and in doing so, raise money and awareness for a great cause. Mincer and his good friend Taylor Yoakley have embarked on a summer hike of the Appalachian Trail, in part, to benefit Blood: Water Mission.
The duo started their trek on June 15th in Maine and will be walking the historic footpath that leads all the way to Georgia. The 2,159 mile hike through 14 states is expected to take five months.
"Each person seeking to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail does so for different reasons -- for fun or exercise, self-discovery or a change of pace, make new friends, to change oneself, etc," said Mincer and Yoakley in a prepared solicitation for pledges. "While all of these in part are motivation for us, we are seeking a greater motivation, one which WILL not only change but also save lives. It is for this reason that we are going to hike in order to raise money for Africa and specifically the Blood: Water Mission's 1000 Wells project. Blood: Water Mission is a truly non-profit organization founded by the members of the Grammy Award-winning band, Jars of Clay, and is committed to clean blood and clean water to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic, to build clean wells in Africa, to support medical facilities for caring for the sick, and to make a lasting impact in the fight against poverty, injustice and oppression in Africa."
Mincer and Yoakley go on to explain that one dollar can provide one African with fresh water for a year and that a "penny-per-mile" pledge can provide nearly 22 people with fresh water for a year. $1,000 will build a freshwater well for a village of 10,000 for a lifetime.
Mincer, the 2007 Atlantic 10 individual golf champion, led Charlotte to its second straight A-10 title, this year. He also keyed the 49ers run at the NCAA Championship, where Charlotte placed tied for third behind Stanford and Georgia, matching the 49ers' best-ever NCAA finish in any sport. He retired with 49ers' school records for 18-hole score (-8, 64 at the 2007 A-10 Championships) and 54-hole tournament score (-14, 202 at the 2007 A-10 Championships and the 2004 49er Collegiate).
Click on the link above to download a plede form so you can support Mincer's effort.
Seattle Mariners Raising Funds For the Homeless
From the Seattle Mariners official website:
The Seattle Mariners are employing some "mystery" to raise money for First Place, an organization that provides education and stabilization services for homeless children and families.
On Saturday, July 14, fans have the chance to buy, for $50 each, grab bags containing baseballs autographed by Mariners players, the manager and coaches. Each has signed 24 baseballs. The individual baseballs are sealed in brown paper bags. The mystery is which autograph the buyer will get. It could be All-Star Game MVP Ichiro Suzuki, pitcher Felix Hernandez, or a member of the coaching staff. It's luck of the draw.
The proceeds from the sales will benefit First Place. Now in its 18th year, Seattle's First Place enrolls students from kindergarten through the sixth grade whose families are in crisis due to domestic violence, drug and alcohol dependency, or any number of issues that lead to instability and homelessness. In addition to education, First Place offers a Family Stabilization Program that includes housing and case management services for families with children enrolled at the school.
The "Mystery Mariners" grab bags fundraiser is sponsored by the Mariners Wives and Mariners Care, the team's non-profit foundation. The baseballs will be available at Safeco Field on Saturday, July 14, when the Mariners take on the Detroit Tigers. They will be available on the Main Concourse near Section 125, at the skybrige entrance to the Terrace Club, on the Suite Level and the Diamond Club. Game time Saturday is 7:05 p.m. Gates open at 5:05 p.m.
Over the past few years, the Mariners Wives and Mariners Care have raised over $300,000 for First Place through various fundraising efforts.
What a cool idea. No one said fund raising couldn't be fun. So what if some of those baseball's will invariably wind up on Ebay, the homeless in Seattle will still received a much needed benefit.
The Seattle Mariners are employing some "mystery" to raise money for First Place, an organization that provides education and stabilization services for homeless children and families.
On Saturday, July 14, fans have the chance to buy, for $50 each, grab bags containing baseballs autographed by Mariners players, the manager and coaches. Each has signed 24 baseballs. The individual baseballs are sealed in brown paper bags. The mystery is which autograph the buyer will get. It could be All-Star Game MVP Ichiro Suzuki, pitcher Felix Hernandez, or a member of the coaching staff. It's luck of the draw.
The proceeds from the sales will benefit First Place. Now in its 18th year, Seattle's First Place enrolls students from kindergarten through the sixth grade whose families are in crisis due to domestic violence, drug and alcohol dependency, or any number of issues that lead to instability and homelessness. In addition to education, First Place offers a Family Stabilization Program that includes housing and case management services for families with children enrolled at the school.
The "Mystery Mariners" grab bags fundraiser is sponsored by the Mariners Wives and Mariners Care, the team's non-profit foundation. The baseballs will be available at Safeco Field on Saturday, July 14, when the Mariners take on the Detroit Tigers. They will be available on the Main Concourse near Section 125, at the skybrige entrance to the Terrace Club, on the Suite Level and the Diamond Club. Game time Saturday is 7:05 p.m. Gates open at 5:05 p.m.
Over the past few years, the Mariners Wives and Mariners Care have raised over $300,000 for First Place through various fundraising efforts.
What a cool idea. No one said fund raising couldn't be fun. So what if some of those baseball's will invariably wind up on Ebay, the homeless in Seattle will still received a much needed benefit.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
How Sports Can Build a Bridge
Passionate sports fans can get carried away with the games, sometimes acting like they're life and death events.
There are times, however, when sports can have a real impact among people who are truly dealing with life and death situations as a normal part of their lives.
That's the type of story ESPN's Tom Friend tells about how an organization called Peace Players International used basketball to find some common ground for Catholics and Protestants, usually enemies from birth, in Northern Ireland.
Click here to read "Hate Is a Waste of Time."
There are times, however, when sports can have a real impact among people who are truly dealing with life and death situations as a normal part of their lives.
That's the type of story ESPN's Tom Friend tells about how an organization called Peace Players International used basketball to find some common ground for Catholics and Protestants, usually enemies from birth, in Northern Ireland.
Click here to read "Hate Is a Waste of Time."
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
A Humble John Dutton Now Enjoying Success
John Dutton thought he had it all going on. He led the University of Nevada to it's first football bowl win in 28 years and was projected as high as a first-round pick in the NFL Draft.
That's when the road to humility began.
Dutton fell to the sixth round, eventually being drafted by the Miami Dolphins. Eventually three NFL teams cut Dutton, leading him to the Arena Football League. Despite a broken ankle and broken arm, he persevered to lead two different teams (San Jose in 2002 and Colorado in 2005) to Arena Bowl titles.
Along the way, Dutton has gained a strong sense of perspective:
“He’s )G0d)taken me up, and He has taken me down, but He has always been faithful,” Dutton said. “Now, I tell everyone about my three F’s: faith, family and football. I give 100 percent and let Him figure out the wins and losses.”
Click here to read more about John Dutton's path to on-the-field success and off-the-field balance (including many charitable activities) in this article from Sharing the Victory.
That's when the road to humility began.
Dutton fell to the sixth round, eventually being drafted by the Miami Dolphins. Eventually three NFL teams cut Dutton, leading him to the Arena Football League. Despite a broken ankle and broken arm, he persevered to lead two different teams (San Jose in 2002 and Colorado in 2005) to Arena Bowl titles.
Along the way, Dutton has gained a strong sense of perspective:
“He’s )G0d)taken me up, and He has taken me down, but He has always been faithful,” Dutton said. “Now, I tell everyone about my three F’s: faith, family and football. I give 100 percent and let Him figure out the wins and losses.”
Click here to read more about John Dutton's path to on-the-field success and off-the-field balance (including many charitable activities) in this article from Sharing the Victory.
Monday, July 9, 2007
The NCAA's official website continues it series on student-athletes and their humanitarian work during the summer. This installment features a swimmer who had much more than her sport in mind when she enrolled in college.
Lauren Ackerman, a swimmer at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, turned her passion for travel into a humanitarian effort this summer as she researched how the once war-torn country of Guatemala is achieving peace since ending its 36-year civil war in 1996.
Ackerman, a rising senior from Gettysburg, Pa., and three of her classmates were recipients of a $10,000 grant from the 100 Projects for Peace program to research the topic “Perceptions of Civil War and Peace in Two Western Highland Towns of Guatemala.” The program, which was created by philanthropist Kathryn Wasserman Davis in celebration of her 100th birthday, funds grassroots efforts with a global reach.
The group visited the city of San Lucas Tolimán in Guatemala, a more peaceful place than other cities during the long civil conflict.
“We wanted to talk with the people and learn from them in hopes to apply their situations to other situations of inner-country conflict throughout the world,” said Ackerman.
Ackerman gained a better understanding of the country’s history during the trip, and how it has progressed since the end of the civil war.
“You can read a lot of books and articles, but when you talk with people who were involved, you gain a whole new understanding and that was our goal,” said Ackerman. “We learned that peace is a utopian idea and has a lot to do with having basic needs."
The epitome of a student-athlete, Ackerman was named the Atlantic Women’s Colleges Conference Scholar-Athlete of the year in 2007 after posted a 3.947 grade point average and winning the 100 and 200 yard backstroke and 100 yard butterfly events at the league championship.
“One of the reasons why I chose the College of Notre Dame was because it is Division III school and I had the opportunity to take on amazing study abroad experiences and have a coach who understands that I have a passion for swimming, but that I also have a passion for travel,” said Ackerman.
Click here to read more about Ackerman's travels, including where she is heading next, on the NCAA's official website.
Lauren Ackerman, a swimmer at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, turned her passion for travel into a humanitarian effort this summer as she researched how the once war-torn country of Guatemala is achieving peace since ending its 36-year civil war in 1996.
Ackerman, a rising senior from Gettysburg, Pa., and three of her classmates were recipients of a $10,000 grant from the 100 Projects for Peace program to research the topic “Perceptions of Civil War and Peace in Two Western Highland Towns of Guatemala.” The program, which was created by philanthropist Kathryn Wasserman Davis in celebration of her 100th birthday, funds grassroots efforts with a global reach.
The group visited the city of San Lucas Tolimán in Guatemala, a more peaceful place than other cities during the long civil conflict.
“We wanted to talk with the people and learn from them in hopes to apply their situations to other situations of inner-country conflict throughout the world,” said Ackerman.
Ackerman gained a better understanding of the country’s history during the trip, and how it has progressed since the end of the civil war.
“You can read a lot of books and articles, but when you talk with people who were involved, you gain a whole new understanding and that was our goal,” said Ackerman. “We learned that peace is a utopian idea and has a lot to do with having basic needs."
The epitome of a student-athlete, Ackerman was named the Atlantic Women’s Colleges Conference Scholar-Athlete of the year in 2007 after posted a 3.947 grade point average and winning the 100 and 200 yard backstroke and 100 yard butterfly events at the league championship.
“One of the reasons why I chose the College of Notre Dame was because it is Division III school and I had the opportunity to take on amazing study abroad experiences and have a coach who understands that I have a passion for swimming, but that I also have a passion for travel,” said Ackerman.
Click here to read more about Ackerman's travels, including where she is heading next, on the NCAA's official website.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Cindy Timchal Is All About Her Players
Cindy Timchal, women's lacrosse coach at the Naval Academy, shared her basic coaching philosophy with ESPNU:
"Winning championships is really a byproduct of getting the players to believe in themselves, getting them to put it all on the line and play unselfishly," Tinchal said. "And when it all comes together, it's magical.
"Too much credit is given to the coach. My job is just to give the players the courage and the confidence to compete. That's what is most satisfying: giving the players the tools they need to go out and compete."
It obviously works since she is the winningest coach in the history of the sport. She won eight national championships at the University of Maryland (including seven straight), but left in 2006 to to make her mark and build her own program at Navy.
Two things you can expect there; they will win, and it will be all about the players.
Click here to read the ESPNU article.
"Winning championships is really a byproduct of getting the players to believe in themselves, getting them to put it all on the line and play unselfishly," Tinchal said. "And when it all comes together, it's magical.
"Too much credit is given to the coach. My job is just to give the players the courage and the confidence to compete. That's what is most satisfying: giving the players the tools they need to go out and compete."
It obviously works since she is the winningest coach in the history of the sport. She won eight national championships at the University of Maryland (including seven straight), but left in 2006 to to make her mark and build her own program at Navy.
Two things you can expect there; they will win, and it will be all about the players.
Click here to read the ESPNU article.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
KC Royals Investing Well in the Community
The Kansas City Royals have not enjoyed much success on the field in recent years, but they are helping other organizations in their community succeed.
From the official Kansas City Royals website:
Royals Charities, the charitable arm of the Kansas City Royals, is pleased to announce a donation of $158,000 to five non-profit organizations during the 2007 spring/summer grant cycle.
With this contribution, Royals Charities has donated over $2.6 million to Kansas City area charities since 2001. "We are pleased to contribute to these organizations and assist in their efforts to make Kansas City a better place," said Royals President Dan Glass. "These grants reflect the continued commitment of our players and their wives, our associates, our family and our fans to this community."
Agencies receiving grants in the 2007 spring/summer cycle include:
American Liver Foundation
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City
Harvesters - The Community Food Network
Heart to Heart International
Prostate Cancer Foundation
From the official Kansas City Royals website:
Royals Charities, the charitable arm of the Kansas City Royals, is pleased to announce a donation of $158,000 to five non-profit organizations during the 2007 spring/summer grant cycle.
With this contribution, Royals Charities has donated over $2.6 million to Kansas City area charities since 2001. "We are pleased to contribute to these organizations and assist in their efforts to make Kansas City a better place," said Royals President Dan Glass. "These grants reflect the continued commitment of our players and their wives, our associates, our family and our fans to this community."
Agencies receiving grants in the 2007 spring/summer cycle include:
American Liver Foundation
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City
Harvesters - The Community Food Network
Heart to Heart International
Prostate Cancer Foundation
Friday, July 6, 2007
Derek Fisher Has His Priorities Right
There are times, very rare ones, when you meet someone and immediately recognize them as a person of quality.
Someone grounded and sincere. Someone without pretense. Who you can almost instantly sense is a good person.
You don't see this written about an NBA player nearly often enough, but columnist Steve Dilbeck of the Los Angeles Daily News wrote those words about Derek Fisher, whom he met when Fisher was playing with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Fisher has been a solid player in the league for a number of years, but his biggest move came this week, when he asked to be released from a contract that guaranteed him $20.6 million over the next three years.
He wants to spend more time in one of the handful of NBA cities that offer the appropriate medical care for his 1-year-old daughter, who has a rare form of eye cancer.
So he asked the Utah Jazz to release him from the final three years of his contract, and to owner Larry Miller's great credit, he did.
"Life for me has always outweighed the game of basketball," Fisher said.
Normally when you hear a player talk about "taking care of his family" he is in the process of selling his services to the highest bidder. When Derek Fisher says that, he means it literally.
Click here to read the rest of Dilbeck's column in the LA Daily News.
Someone grounded and sincere. Someone without pretense. Who you can almost instantly sense is a good person.
You don't see this written about an NBA player nearly often enough, but columnist Steve Dilbeck of the Los Angeles Daily News wrote those words about Derek Fisher, whom he met when Fisher was playing with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Fisher has been a solid player in the league for a number of years, but his biggest move came this week, when he asked to be released from a contract that guaranteed him $20.6 million over the next three years.
He wants to spend more time in one of the handful of NBA cities that offer the appropriate medical care for his 1-year-old daughter, who has a rare form of eye cancer.
So he asked the Utah Jazz to release him from the final three years of his contract, and to owner Larry Miller's great credit, he did.
"Life for me has always outweighed the game of basketball," Fisher said.
Normally when you hear a player talk about "taking care of his family" he is in the process of selling his services to the highest bidder. When Derek Fisher says that, he means it literally.
Click here to read the rest of Dilbeck's column in the LA Daily News.
Jacoby Jones No Longer Too Small For Football
Jacoby Jones heard "you're too small" for many years, mainly because when he showed up at LSU wanting to walk on to the football team, he stood only 5' 7" and weighed 160 pounds.
Then a growth spurt kicked in.
Now standing 6' 2" and weighing over 200 pounds, Jones became a star at Division II Lane College as a receiver and kick returner and was drafted in the third round by the Houston Texans.
That's a long way from wearing an Archie Manning (for you younguns, that's Peyton and Eli's dad) uniform to church as a three-year old.
He'll have his own uniform to wear when camp starts in a few weeks.
Click here to read more about Jacoby Jones' winding path to the NFL in this article from the Houston Chronicle.
Then a growth spurt kicked in.
Now standing 6' 2" and weighing over 200 pounds, Jones became a star at Division II Lane College as a receiver and kick returner and was drafted in the third round by the Houston Texans.
That's a long way from wearing an Archie Manning (for you younguns, that's Peyton and Eli's dad) uniform to church as a three-year old.
He'll have his own uniform to wear when camp starts in a few weeks.
Click here to read more about Jacoby Jones' winding path to the NFL in this article from the Houston Chronicle.
Drew Brees Is Truly a Saint
Fortunately, there are a lot of athletes who embrace the communities of the teams they play for, but Drew Brees is taking it to another level. The New Orleans Saint quarterback signed with the team only a few months after Hurricane Katrina destroyed much of the city and he has become an integral part of the rebuilding, both symbolically and by rolling up his sleeves and working side-by-side with those who lost so much from the disaster.
Part of the Breeses' initiative will finance a $670,000 multi-use football-baseball-soccer field on the divot-filled Lusher grounds that will benefit four schools and recreational leagues. Brees suggested a distinctive Fenway Park-style Green Monster for the new facility.
"We have the blessing of an NFL superstar who has taken us under his personal wing," says Lusher football coach Gian Smith, 29. "Before he even really knew how this city was going to embrace him, he came down, and the first thing Drew Brees did was bought a house here. The second thing he did was say, 'Let me see what I can do to help.'
"Drew Brees is one of us."
Brees, 28, is embraced here as the patron "Saint" of hope in a place where so much is still needed.
"Drew is the hope guy," says Rick Larsen, president of national charity Operation Kids, which partnered with Brees' foundation. "Drew has this attraction to areas where hope is fading. He wants to give people in those situations reason to hope again.
"He's one of those rare guys who doesn't think he's entitled to be a famous athlete. He feels like he has this responsibility to do something with that privilege."
Amazingly enough, Brees got started with this while rehabilitating his surgically repaired throwing shoulder, learning a new offense, and becoming acclimated for the first time to what was left of New Orleans.
Click here to read more about his efforts in this USA Today story.
Part of the Breeses' initiative will finance a $670,000 multi-use football-baseball-soccer field on the divot-filled Lusher grounds that will benefit four schools and recreational leagues. Brees suggested a distinctive Fenway Park-style Green Monster for the new facility.
"We have the blessing of an NFL superstar who has taken us under his personal wing," says Lusher football coach Gian Smith, 29. "Before he even really knew how this city was going to embrace him, he came down, and the first thing Drew Brees did was bought a house here. The second thing he did was say, 'Let me see what I can do to help.'
"Drew Brees is one of us."
Brees, 28, is embraced here as the patron "Saint" of hope in a place where so much is still needed.
"Drew is the hope guy," says Rick Larsen, president of national charity Operation Kids, which partnered with Brees' foundation. "Drew has this attraction to areas where hope is fading. He wants to give people in those situations reason to hope again.
"He's one of those rare guys who doesn't think he's entitled to be a famous athlete. He feels like he has this responsibility to do something with that privilege."
Amazingly enough, Brees got started with this while rehabilitating his surgically repaired throwing shoulder, learning a new offense, and becoming acclimated for the first time to what was left of New Orleans.
Click here to read more about his efforts in this USA Today story.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Now THAT's a Field Trip
When I was in school, it was not uncommon to undertake a class project where some field work was required. Usually a short drive or bus trip was involved. Sweet Briar College lacrosse player Meredith Newman had a more challenging journey for her class project--a visit to Guatemala.
Learning concepts in a classroom is how most students are taught about their course of study, but when they are able to put that knowledge to real world use, the information instantly becomes more meaningful.
Sweet Briar College women’s lacrosse player Meredith Newman was able to experience that kind of hands-on learning earlier this summer during a journey to Guatemala which was a culmination of the course Technology and Society: A Global Perspective taught by Dr. Jim Durand.
The course melded the teachings of sociology --Newman’s major -- and engineering, where students designed and built a solution for a rural school’s water system.
“I thought it was really neat you could actually design a trip and a project, and then actually go to complete it,” said Newman.
The class worked to design a water storage tank and spring box at the school in Xix, Chajul, El Quiché– a Mayan community in Guatemala, and then completed their project by traveling to the third-world country and installing it in May.
Click here to read more about Meredith Newman's efforts in this story on the NCAA's official website.
Learning concepts in a classroom is how most students are taught about their course of study, but when they are able to put that knowledge to real world use, the information instantly becomes more meaningful.
Sweet Briar College women’s lacrosse player Meredith Newman was able to experience that kind of hands-on learning earlier this summer during a journey to Guatemala which was a culmination of the course Technology and Society: A Global Perspective taught by Dr. Jim Durand.
The course melded the teachings of sociology --Newman’s major -- and engineering, where students designed and built a solution for a rural school’s water system.
“I thought it was really neat you could actually design a trip and a project, and then actually go to complete it,” said Newman.
The class worked to design a water storage tank and spring box at the school in Xix, Chajul, El Quiché– a Mayan community in Guatemala, and then completed their project by traveling to the third-world country and installing it in May.
Click here to read more about Meredith Newman's efforts in this story on the NCAA's official website.
Saintsations Visit Troops in the Middle East
At the risk of sounding sexist, I doubt few things could cheer up a soldier stationed far away from home more than a visit from a group of NFL cheerleaders. Nine members of the New Orleans Saints' squad, the Saintsations, did just that recently, traveling to military bases in both Iraq and Kuwait. Last week, the Louisiana State House of Representatives honored them for their 12-day trip.
Click here to read about the Saintsations' journey to the Middle East on the Saints' official website.
Click here to read about the Saintsations' journey to the Middle East on the Saints' official website.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Former Army Ranger Walks On to U of Florida Football Team
Derek Baldry did not have a position, did not know where to line up, and wasn't quite sure how to get into a proper stance.
"I just wanted to make sure the coaches didn't know I hadn't played high school football," he said. "I was basically playing copycat, watching the guy in front of me and trying to emulate him."
So, what was this 24-year-old former Army Ranger and football novice doing at an open walk-on tryout at the University of Florida in the spring of 2006?
The answer is on his left wrist.
SPC Ryan P. Long USA RangerA CO 3/75 KIA 03 April 2003 Iraq.
This is the inscription on a metal bracelet that Baldry wears on his left wrist to honor a fallen friend. This is the inspiration that sent him chasing after a dream that many thought was uncatchable.
Click here to read the rest of the story in the Gainesville Sun.
"I just wanted to make sure the coaches didn't know I hadn't played high school football," he said. "I was basically playing copycat, watching the guy in front of me and trying to emulate him."
So, what was this 24-year-old former Army Ranger and football novice doing at an open walk-on tryout at the University of Florida in the spring of 2006?
The answer is on his left wrist.
SPC Ryan P. Long USA RangerA CO 3/75 KIA 03 April 2003 Iraq.
This is the inscription on a metal bracelet that Baldry wears on his left wrist to honor a fallen friend. This is the inspiration that sent him chasing after a dream that many thought was uncatchable.
Click here to read the rest of the story in the Gainesville Sun.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
So What Did You Do On Summer Vacation, Coach Richt?
University of Georgia football coach Mark Richt is one of the great character guys in all of sports, so it's not surprising he took part of his precious time off to reach out and help others.
Richt, his wife and all four of their children recently spent a week on a missionary trip to Honduras.
Not only are the Richts planning to go back, but one day the coach would like to take his Georgia players with him.
"I think I may try to get some guys to go," Richt said. "I would have to find out the [NCAA] compliance issue on that. I would be sad to think it would not be allowed.
"There are 28 bunks for the guys, and if no girls came you could have 28 guys on the other side," Richt continued. "I'd love to fill those bunks with those guys and let them see it."
What they would see is a country gripped by poverty but rich in beauty, spirit and community. What they would experience is a feeling of giving to a cause greater than Georgia football, if only for a week.
Click here to read the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's story about the Richt's mission trip and the impact it had on them and those they ministered to.
Richt, his wife and all four of their children recently spent a week on a missionary trip to Honduras.
Not only are the Richts planning to go back, but one day the coach would like to take his Georgia players with him.
"I think I may try to get some guys to go," Richt said. "I would have to find out the [NCAA] compliance issue on that. I would be sad to think it would not be allowed.
"There are 28 bunks for the guys, and if no girls came you could have 28 guys on the other side," Richt continued. "I'd love to fill those bunks with those guys and let them see it."
What they would see is a country gripped by poverty but rich in beauty, spirit and community. What they would experience is a feeling of giving to a cause greater than Georgia football, if only for a week.
Click here to read the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's story about the Richt's mission trip and the impact it had on them and those they ministered to.
Monday, July 2, 2007
How a Ten-Dollar Bill Got Dwayne Allen On Track to Become a High School All-American
Sometimes it's the small but genuine gestures that make a difference in someone's life. Wayne Inman, the varsity football coach at Terry Sanford high in Fayetteville, NC, gave Dwayne Allen the encouragement, and the $10 he needed for a physical exam, to commit himself to becoming a football player. He also expected Allen to stay out of trouble off the field, and he did so. The payoff was a scholarship offer to Georgia for the fall of 2008.
Click here to read the ESPNU story on Dwayne Allen and his coach and mentor, Wayne Inman.
Click here to read the ESPNU story on Dwayne Allen and his coach and mentor, Wayne Inman.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Kernels Broadcaster Dives Deep Into the Cedar Rapids Community
John Rodgers makes a living broadcasting baseball games for the Cedar Rapids (IA) Kernels, a Class A farm team of the Los Angeles Angels. Plenty of people benefit from his time away from the mike too.
Rodgers has spearheaded the team's community reading program for the last nine years and also gets the players to perform entertaining skits for the participants. He's also made a more direct connection with a young man named Logan as part of the city's Big Brother Big Sister program.
Rodgers doesn't just talk, he walks the walk and stands tall.
Click here to read more about the difference John Rodgers is making in his community from the official Minor League Baseball website.
Rodgers has spearheaded the team's community reading program for the last nine years and also gets the players to perform entertaining skits for the participants. He's also made a more direct connection with a young man named Logan as part of the city's Big Brother Big Sister program.
Rodgers doesn't just talk, he walks the walk and stands tall.
Click here to read more about the difference John Rodgers is making in his community from the official Minor League Baseball website.
Student-Athletes Rolling for Autism
The phrase "student-athlete" is grossly overused by pr flacks for the NCAA, but when I use it on this blog I mean it. An example of that is these students from Union College in Schenectady, NY.
Dan Tartar, a recent graduate from Union College, was inspired by his brother, who has behaviors in the autism spectrum, to do something to help him and others dealing with that condition. He recruited a few of his buddies, and they have set out on a 2,000 mile rollerblade journey that will cover the east coast from Florida to Maine. The funds they raise from this venture will benefit "Rolling for Autism," a non-profit organization Tartar created.
The group had lots of help planning the journey, but they still needed to train for the physically grueling excursion.
“We worked with the Union athletic staff when we started training in the fall, and tried to get an idea of what our days would be like skating and what kind of toll it would take on the body,” said Tatar. “Over the last three months we started training with low mileage. Two weeks ago, we were creeping up to 30-mile skates to really get used what we’ll be doing on the road.”
Tatar and the other main skaters expect to rollerblade approximately 30 to 50 miles per day, stopping in cities along the way to meet with various groups about programs for autism. He also expects about 100 others to join the group along their route for a little as a couple miles to as long as four weeks.
“The route we constructed is one that we could work with the most organizations throughout different cities and see what we’re they are doing for autism,” said Tatar.
Click here to read the entire story on the NCAA's official website.
Dan Tartar, a recent graduate from Union College, was inspired by his brother, who has behaviors in the autism spectrum, to do something to help him and others dealing with that condition. He recruited a few of his buddies, and they have set out on a 2,000 mile rollerblade journey that will cover the east coast from Florida to Maine. The funds they raise from this venture will benefit "Rolling for Autism," a non-profit organization Tartar created.
The group had lots of help planning the journey, but they still needed to train for the physically grueling excursion.
“We worked with the Union athletic staff when we started training in the fall, and tried to get an idea of what our days would be like skating and what kind of toll it would take on the body,” said Tatar. “Over the last three months we started training with low mileage. Two weeks ago, we were creeping up to 30-mile skates to really get used what we’ll be doing on the road.”
Tatar and the other main skaters expect to rollerblade approximately 30 to 50 miles per day, stopping in cities along the way to meet with various groups about programs for autism. He also expects about 100 others to join the group along their route for a little as a couple miles to as long as four weeks.
“The route we constructed is one that we could work with the most organizations throughout different cities and see what we’re they are doing for autism,” said Tatar.
Click here to read the entire story on the NCAA's official website.
Red Sox' Jon Lester Regaining Control
His pitches aren't always finding the strike zone as often as he would like, but things could be a lot worse for Jon Lester. He was a 22-year old rookie with the Boston Red Sox last year when he received some chilling news. Lester was diagnosed with cancer cells in his groin, lung, and collarbone along with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
"After about five minutes, I figured it was time to start fighting," Lester says. "It has always been a pet peeve of mine when people feel sorry for themselves. I took the same approach as if I don't pitch good. I'm not going to go through all that B.S. of trying to analyze things. I'm just going to go out in five days and do better." Or, in this case, get better.
Lester went through six chemotherapy treatments and was declared cancer free in December. Click here to read the Sporting News story about his comeback efforts.
"After about five minutes, I figured it was time to start fighting," Lester says. "It has always been a pet peeve of mine when people feel sorry for themselves. I took the same approach as if I don't pitch good. I'm not going to go through all that B.S. of trying to analyze things. I'm just going to go out in five days and do better." Or, in this case, get better.
Lester went through six chemotherapy treatments and was declared cancer free in December. Click here to read the Sporting News story about his comeback efforts.
The Faith of a Winner
Tamika Catchings has an overflowing trophy case. She has won the 2000 ESPY award for the College Player of the Year, the 2000 Naismith National Player of the Year award, the 2002 WNBA Rookie of the Year trophy, a 2004 U.S. Olympic gold medal and the 2005 and 2006 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year awards.
It has not been an easy path for her, however. She was born with a hearing loss (she still wears a hearing aid) which caused her to develop a speech impediment. After being severely introverted during her youth, she matured into one of the international stars of women's basketball.
Sharing the Victory posted an interview with Catchings where she discussed her faith and how that was the foundation for her growth as an athlete and, more importantly, as a person.
Click here to read the interview.
It has not been an easy path for her, however. She was born with a hearing loss (she still wears a hearing aid) which caused her to develop a speech impediment. After being severely introverted during her youth, she matured into one of the international stars of women's basketball.
Sharing the Victory posted an interview with Catchings where she discussed her faith and how that was the foundation for her growth as an athlete and, more importantly, as a person.
Click here to read the interview.
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