Laureus Academy Member in Miami to help launch new USA coaching initiative
October 12, 2012
Laureus Academy Members were in Miami today to launch a new coaching initiative that will spread the inspirational power of sport to a new generation of sport leaders.
Following successful launches in New York and Los Angeles, this latest regional launch of the partnership between Coaches Across America(CAA) and Laureus was attended by Laureus Academy Member and golf legend Gary Player at the city’s Gwen Cherry Park.
Talking at the event, Gary, who won nine majors, said: "It's great to see sport being used to make a difference to people's lives in the way Laureus are here with Coaches Across America. It really goes to show that, as fun as sport is, it can also be a powerful tool to make the world a better place."
CAA work in the USA training young coaches the sport and youth development skills required to help make lasting changes to young people’s lives. The project has trained coaches that are currently reaching 50,000 of America’s ‘at-risk’ children.
The new venture between CAA and Laureus, announced earlier this year, has helped further this reach, and has been made possible thanks to the ongoing support of Mercedes-Benz USA.
The Miami project will train 24 coaches in 12 after-school programmes. It is estimated that a further 3000 children will benefit from this new training.
"It is important for an area such as Miami to have quality coaches serving these kids. They are mentors, community organizers and mediators. Investing in proper training and offering support for these coaches is vital to sports-based youth development, especially as youth violence and obesity escalate and school-based programs continue to be decimated by budget cuts. Initiatives like this are essential in America to fill the gap."
