A large percentage of America’s youth sports programs are being dismantled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, many kids have been in sedentary mode.
Athletes For CARE (A4C) — a non-profit organization founded by former pro athletes — wants to help solve the problem by hosting a charity golf event.
“A4C is partnered with League Side, the Nation's Leading Youth Sports Sponsorship Platform, to generate immediate assistance for youth sports across the country,” A4C executive director Anna Valent told Benzinga. “Our upcoming Drive to Save Youth Sports will directly benefit youth sports organizations’ specific needs.”
The event will take place in Chicago’s Bolingbrook Golf Club on September 22.
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An All Star Lineup
A4C's membership includes more than 220 pro atheletes. Among those involved is former NFL defensive end Leonard Marshall.
“As an adolescent my vision for getting out of Louisiana was to utilize my athletic skills to create a platform bed which would grant me the opportunity to receive an education scholastically,” he said. “So I worked my tail off in middle school and high school. Not only in the classroom but on the football, baseball, and basketball fields of play to gain the discipline to play but also develop the character of a competitor with many of my friends.”
He remembers his mother always incentivizing him to play sports as a kid.
“Leonard Jr. You’ve got until dusk to play,” he recalled her saying. “If you come in here less dirty and smelly than others I will be disappointed. Go be a boy!”
Former NFL safety Shane Pahukoa, who is also participating in the event, told Benzinga that youth sports are “a way to escape and release stress.
“I am a burn survivor who was bullied and teased beginning at age 8," Pahukoa said. "I used sports as of way of releasing my frustrations and anxieties."
Former quarterback Jake Plummer said youth sports gave him "an avenue to compete and have fun all while learning to overcome adversity and persevere — in order to get a popsicle after a good game!”
Help save youth sports following this link.
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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