The Center For Kids FIRST In Sports “Reclaiming the Timeless Value of Sport” Keeping all kids physically active for life

The Center For Kids FIRST In Sports We are a national resource committed to enhancing the emotional and physical development of children The center is engaged in dialogue with leading authorities in sports, health care, and public policy By virtue of our contacts we are capable of bringing together those who are capable of influencing the national dialogue The Center for Kids FIRST in Sports, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt non- profit organization, is a national resource for young people, parents, schools, league administrators, coaches, and others who care about the influence of organized youth sports on children, families, and culture.

Our Mission Keep all kids physically active for life Reclaim the timeless value of sport and play Fight childhood obesity and change sedentary lifestyles Re-structure youth sports to serve the needs of all children

The Kids First Model Involvement of the professional athlete as role model and spokesperson in their respective communities Involvement of Concerned Community Stakeholders Universities and schools Law Enforcement Civic associations HospitalsGovernment Capacity Building – Train-the-trainer Program Local fundraising Kids FIRST In Sports Radio Program

Our Program Goals Help schools re-align their PE and Athletic Department goals to be consistent with the educational and social mission of the institution Educate children about the role of play, sport and physical activity in their lives Provide parents with important information about being a positive influence in the wellness and healthy development of their children Facilitate the evolution of coaches into effective role models and teachers Facilitate the development of student-coaches through our leadership development and mentor program Provide holistic after-school programs that encourage physical activity and learning through play and sports

Our Programs Educate children about the role of play, sport and physical activity and nutrition in their lives through the traditional classroom environment Parenting workshops and seminars 48 hour interactive Coaching Development Program Train student-coaches through our leadership development and mentor program All-American Life Fitness Games after-school program

The Urgency A matter of life & death!

Children & Play No longer safe places to play No opportunity for kids to just play Play organized by adults has negated nearly all of the benefits of play

Children’s Health 300,000 deaths annually due to weight related causes Treatment of obesity and related illnesses costs exceed $75 Billion annually, is rising sharply and nearly exceeds the costs for tobacco related illnesses. The occurrence of obesity in adolescent children between the ages 12 and 19 has nearly tripled in the past two decades. * * The Surgeon General 1999

Children’s Health Risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, occur with increased frequency in overweight children and overweight or obese adults are at risk for a number of health problems including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and some forms of cancer. Risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, occur with increased frequency in overweight children and overweight or obese adults are at risk for a number of health problems including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and some forms of cancer. The most immediate consequence of being overweight as perceived by the children themselves is social discrimination. This is associated with poor self-esteem and depression. * The most immediate consequence of being overweight as perceived by the children themselves is social discrimination. This is associated with poor self-esteem and depression. * * The Surgeon General 1999

Physical Development & Schools 51% of high school students are not rigorously active Only 29% of high school students had daily physical education in 1999 – down from 42% in 1991 Only 61% of students in K-12 had gym class at least once each week School budget woes forcing cuts in arts, trades, and athletics A trillion dollar federal deficit will force the states to reduce spending further

Children & Sports: It stops being fun! 40 million kids participating in organized youth sports 70% Quit by age 15 – 1 st year of high school Less than 20% of high school students are involved in sports Violence, abuse, poor sportsmanship, and litigation have increased dramatically Pressure and stress to “make it to the next level”

Sports, PE & Budget Shortfalls Who will be let go? The Math teacher or the coach? The Wrong Question

Sports, PE & Budget Shortfalls How do we restructure sport to meet the needs of all children? The Right Question