High rates of youth violence in Chicago is a national concern. Studies show that school days (between 3-6 p.m.) are considered peak hours for teens to fall victim to unsafe and unhealthy activities. Therefore, it is vital for children to receive access to afterschool sports activities. In 2012, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA (Laureus USA), a charitable organization that supports projects across the U.S. to improve the lives of youth through the power of sports, in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), the company and its dealers, supported nearly 6,500 youth in the Greater Chicago Area. At the one year mark, children say they feel safer, more engaged and better equipped to live a healthier lifestyle. Laureus USA and MBUSA return to Chicago this afternoon to check on the progress of the children impacted.
This impact is made possible with Laureus USA’s support of Coach Across America (CAA), a unique national coaching and mentoring program of UP2US. Last year, the initiative deployed 40 coaches in 10 sports-based youth development projects across Chicago. The program is aimed at providing safe and healthy choices to underserved youth who are forced to choose either joining a gang, doing drugs or staying at home without doing any recommended level of exercise. Laureus World Sports Academy member Marvelous Marvin Hagler, World Middleweight Champion from 1980 to 1987, and MBUSA representatives, with CAA coaches, will visit kids at Chicago Youth Boxing Club (CYBC) today, June 25 at 2:30 p.m. central standard time.
Laureus USA and MBUSA believe that coaches and sports play a crucial role in developing character in today’s youth and keeping students engaged in constructive physical activities instead of turning to the streets. A recent GAO report confirmed that despite the important role of coaches, quality coaches are in short supply.1 Proper coaching increases the chance of improved grades, better behavior, healthier lives and longer life due to physical activity.
“Laureus USA is not about parachuting in a solution to the issues facing children in Chicago. We are fully invested in this city. We want to support on-the-ground leaders within the community, often young leaders, and assist them to deliver programs and education to other young people in that community,” says Dr. Edwin Moses, a two-time Olympic champion and Chairman of Laureus USA. “That’s what this national initiative is all about.”
Last year’s kickoff, announced in Chicago, was part of a nationwide program backed by $1.3 million in support from MBUSA to Laureus USA, that served as an important catalyst in this widespread initiative for the nation’s underserved youth. These efforts contributed to the training and placement of 250 CAA coaches in sports-based youth development projects in underserved neighborhoods in five U.S. cities: Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Miami and New Orleans. An annual report by CAA confirmed that 56 percent of youth participating in a program run by a CAA coach reported an increase in physical activity levels. The initiative gave youth more opportunities to participate in afterschool sports programs, with the help of coaches to keep underserved children away from issues such as youth violence, drugs and childhood obesity. “We are a brand known for leadership, which means we try to lead by example in every aspect of our business,” says Steve Cannon, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. “Here in Chicago we’re able to show what the private sector can accomplish to offset some of the deficit in afterschool funding. We’ve been able to provide thousands of kids with a safer, healthier environment after the school bell rings, which for us is the greatest reward.”
Children enrolled in the program say they consistently feel safer, healthier and have more self-confidence.
"I can talk to my (CAA) coaches about anything,” said 11-year-old Josh, a fifth-grader who has been attending CYBC for the last three years. “I like what (the program) does to my self-esteem. It boosts it up! I have learned how to deal with pressure.”
“My coaches have taught me never to give up on myself,” added 12-year-Felix, who injured his back while training for the Silver Gloves National boxing tournament. Felix attributes his perseverance to his coaches and the program.
CAA coaches are also benefitting from the program – especially coach Victor Ramirez, who recalls his youth without a quality role model.
“Recalling my own path in childhood, I have learned that there still is a lack of positive guidance in many youth’s lives. Just by being present as a positive adult around a youth, we can change outcomes one child at a time.”
Over the past year, this initiative provided employment opportunities, relevant experience and scholarships in the sport for development sector for young adults as coaches in this tough economy. Many of the coaches are college graduates from the local community. The projects where CAA coaches were placed included: CYBC, Beyond the Ball, America SCORES Chicago, MetroSquash, Girls in the Game, Urban Initiatives, After-School All-Stars Chicago, Triple Threat and Near West Side CDC.
“I’ve seen tremendous achievement over the past year with the children and youth that this initiative supports,” says Dr. James Kallusky, director of Coach Across America. “Many kids are more active and eating better, others are taking education more seriously, and even more are making a conscious effort to stay out of trouble. Most importantly, some of these kids are realizing a positive future that may have not been available in their lives before working with an UP2US Coach Across America coach. Giving a kid a caring coach is a powerful thing.”
This event at CYBC emphasizes the importance of quality afterschool mentors. Children from the program and CAA coaches will participate in a series of activities. CYBC’S mission is to give youth a constructive, healthy alternative to gang violence and drug activity, while helping them build the skills and determination necessary to realize a positive future for themselves and their community. Today’s project visit proves that the stories and choices made by Chicago youth are not just important – they’re invaluable.
