Sports Doing Good Newsletter, #50

March 10-16, 2013

Welcome to week fifty of the Sports Doing Good newsletter.

Our friends at the Inclusive Sports Initiative have launched a petition to garner worldwide support from all athletes to pledge solidarity to one another.  The petition emphasizes inclusion, equality, and dignity for all athletes. From the youngest to the oldest, from one community to another, the hope is that people will find unity in the power of sport. Solidarity in Sport Pledge – https://www.change.org/petitions/solidarity-in-sport-pledge

Please continue to send along your stories. You are both our audience and our best source of stories. Our Twitter handle is @sportsdoinggood, and you can find us at www.facebook.com/sportsdoinggood.

Finally, if you think others would like to receive the newsletter, please feel free to forward it on or have them contact us directly at sab@sportsddoinggood.com. (If you do not want to receive the newsletter anymore you can use the Unsubscribe button at the end of the email)

So enjoy. And have a good week.

Ali Center, University of Louisville, and Brown University Partner on Muhammad Ali Center Athletes and Social Change Forum
The Muhammad Ali Center, University of Louisville, and Brown University, have united efforts to present the Muhammad Ali Center Athletes and Social Change Forum, an innovative new conference designed to advance education, advocacy and research on the role and contribution of athletes toward social change, human rights and development.
http://alicenter.org/press-release/101

Blind high school wrestler Anthony Ferraro Inspires
His ability to disarm might be his most remarkable quality. He is an inspiration — and he knows it — but the weird thing about being an inspiration is that he has no control over it. He’s just doing what he does; the inspiration part is up to you.
http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/9032132/blind-high-school-wrestler-anthony-ferraro
Denard Robinson works toward his Michigan degree as he preps for NFL draft
Robinson is one of the wildcards of April’s draft, a brilliant athlete who could go anywhere from the second to fourth rounds. He just needs to find the proper fit. His hope is that his commitment to academics, or, at least, his commitment to fulfilling his original commitment to his family of graduating on time, is considered an intangible that a NFL team will appreciate.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl–denard-robinson-works-toward-his-michigan-degree-as-he-preps-for-nfl-draft-014048403.html
(photo, Denard Robinson)

NFL and GE Launch ‘Head Health Initiative’: Innovative Imaging and Technology to Address Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussions

The overriding theme, announced in an opening video this afternoon at a press conference at 30 Rock in the GE Building, was that “the better we understand the brain, the better we can protect it”.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertglatter/2013/03/11/nfl-and-ge-launch-head-health-initiative-innovative-imaging-and-technology-to-address-traumatic-brain-injury-and-concussions/

(photo, NFL logo)

Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald team up with Roddy White for Africa relief trip

During a planned three-day trip to Senegal beginning March 11, Boldin and Fitzgerald will be joined by fellow star receiver Roddy White on a visit with local communities working with Oxfam to improve their access to livelihoods, increase their income, and ensure food security.

http://www.oxfamamerica.org/press/pressreleases/anquan-boldin-and-larry-fitzgeral-team-up-with-roddy-white-for-africa-relief-trip

http://youtu.be/LHfSfEH2Weg

jsilva@oxfamamerica.org

Laureus Awards: Usain Bolt, Jessica Ennis win top honours

The Jamaican won the award for the third time for his dominant show at the 2012 London Olympics where he won three gold medals. Ennis of Great Britain took the gold medal in the heptathlon that won her the top award which is also known as Oscar of sports.

http://zeenews.india.com/sports/others/laureus-awards-usain-bolt-jessica-ennis-win-top-honours_757905.html?v=7j

(photo, Jessica-Ennis)

Former Georgetown Hoya Guard Chris Wright first known NBAer with MS

Wright became the first-known NBA player to acknowledge having multiple sclerosis when he signed a 10-day deal with Dallas and joined the Mavs in San Antonio. That’s a fact that Wright is especially proud of after earning a call-up from the D-League.

http://espn.go.com/dallas/nba/story/_/id/9049301/chris-wright-dallas-mavericks-deals-multiple-sclerosis

(photo, Chris Wright1)

United Soccer Club kicks off spring campaign; Signature United for D.C. initiative will serve 900 children at 14 locations

United Soccer Club serves 900 children through 14 sites this year, teaching soccer and the importance of a healthy lifestyle through physical activity and proper nutrition, as well as life skills that are beneficial on and off the field.

http://www.dcunited.com/news/2013/03/united-soccer-club-kicks-off-spring-campaign

(photo, DC United)

AND1 Donates Apparel and Seed Money to Restore Rockaway’s St. Francis de Sales Summer Basketball Program

The AND1 apparel and a $5,000 donation to help restore the flood-ravaged outdoor courts will give the legendary basketball summer program a much needed-boost as the warmer weather approaches and basketball campers prepare for their annual ritual of playing at basketball camp in The Rockaways.

http://blog.theultimatefan.com/post/45214311862/and1-donates-apparel-and-seed-money-to-restore

(photo, And1_ball)

More than 1,400 players, coaches and managers pledge record $2.46 million to baseball assistance team during 2013 Spring Training Fundraising Tour

Through charitable contributions from corporations, foundations and individuals, B.A.T. strives to provide a means of support to people with financial, psychological or physical burdens.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130312&content_id=42629296&vkey=pr_mlb&c_id=mlb

(photo, BAT)

 

 

THE NEXT 9 STORIES

Denver Nuggets Prepare For NBA Cares Green Week At The Botanic Gardens

The visit was part of the preparations for the NBA Cares Green Week that starts next month. During the weeklong event the NBA plans to take on environmental initiatives like recycling programs and service projects.

http://denver.cbslocal.com/2013/03/12/denver-nuggets-prepare-for-nba-cares-green-week-at-the-botanic-gardens/

(photo, Corey Brewer)  Caption: Corey Brewer of the Denver Nuggets teaches students about gardening (credit: CBS)

Anna Wilson dazzles in superstar’s shadow

Plenty of brothers, plenty of older brothers even, look up to their sisters. But when the girl is all of 15, a high school freshman at a private school with no great hoops legacy? OK, maybe that’s not even out of the realm of possibility.

http://espn.go.com/espnw/hoopgurlz/9051105/anna-wilson-sister-seattle-seahawks-quarterback-russell-wilson-starring-high-school-basketball-court-virginia

(photo, Anna Wilson)  Caption: Anna Wilson has been compared to her big brother since his days at NC State, but Russell Wilson says Anna is the best athlete in the family.

Orlando Magic, UnitedHealthcare Fight Hunger in Central Florida

Magic players Al Harrington and Kyle O’Quinn join 300 people to pack Hi-Five Kids Packs for Second Harvest at the RDV SportsplexVolunteer project to help more than 13,000 children in the tri-county area

http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/03/13/3283233/orlando-magic-unitedhealthcare.html#storylink=cpy

(photo, Orlando Magic UHC Second Harvest Group)

Josh Cribbs offers up a classy Instagram farewell to the city of Cleveland

Josh Cribbs, free agent return specialist, has spent his entire eight-year career with the Cleveland Browns. But it’s looking like he won’t be back, and so he took to Instagram to offer up a handmade, heartfelt farewell to the city.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/josh-cribbs-offers-classy-instagram-farewell-city-cleveland-154909526–nfl.html

(photo, Josh Cribbs1)

Because of Danica’s success, girls can believe

Though Patrick is reticent to assess her career in gender terms, her influence can be felt far and wide. She has served, if not as the inspiration, as the benchmark for scores of little girls who want to go fast and win trophies.

http://espn.go.com/espnw/more-sports/9053342/espnw-girls-believe-danica-patrick-success

(photo, Danica Patrick1)  Captions: Ella Gordon posed with her father Jeff and Danica Patrick after Daytona pole qualifying, but she couldn’t wait to have her picture snapped with Danica alone.

Amy and Brian France fight autism, provide hope

Aptly called “Speeding For a Cure,” the benefit — hosted by NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France and his wife Amy — will raise money for the Autism Speaks organization, specifically New York’s The Gillen Brewer School, which specializes in learning and health-related disabilities for children in pre-school through elementary school.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/amy-brian-france-fight-autism-130200360–nascar.html

(photo, Brian France) Caption: NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France and wife Amy visit Gillen Brewer Head of School Donna Kennedy and her students.

Klay Thompson Was a Bad Boy, Father Mychal Takes Away Allowance for Fight

“The 23-year-old doesn’t have access to his money, all cheques are paid to Mychal and Julie who take care of his accounts for him to make sure Klay’s financial situation is set up for his post NBA career. So, naturally, Papa Thompson’s going to teach Klay a lesson of his own by fining him personally also, however Klay will find out the old fashioned way.”

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1548379-klay-thompson-was-a-bad-boy-father-mychal-takes-away-allowance-for-fight

(photo, Klay Thompson)

San Lorenzo wears Pope Francis on their shirts for match against Colon, win with an own goal

Understandably eager to milk the fact that the new leader of the Catholic church is a fan of their club, Argentine Primera Division side San Lorenzo wore a picture of Pope Francis on their kit for their match against Colon. And it coincided with a bit of divine fortune in the form of comedy defending.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/san-lorenzo-wear-pope-francis-shirts-match-against-223633613–sow.html

(photo, San Lorenzo) Caption: San Lorenzo’s Denis Stracqualursi. (AP)

Discount Football Kits Supports Bid to Cut Crime Through Grassroots Football

Giving young people an ‘outlet’ like organised sport is crucial in ensuring they spend their spare time constructively, rather than roaming the streets committing crimes. The camaraderie they will find at their local football club is an essential part of young life, and projects like these are something that football team wear suppliers like Discount Football Kits are very keen to support.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/discount-football-kits-supports-bid-to-cut-crime-through-grassroots-football-198096601.html