Last year’s launch was part of a nationwide program, backed by $1.3 million
“We are a brand known for leadership which means we try to lead by example in every aspect of our business,” said Steve Cannon
Children enrolled in the program say they consistently feel safer, healthier and have more self-confidence.
“If I tried playing outside by my house or a park nearby, someone would take me and my younger sister away. I wouldn’t know what to do. I feel safe at this program and with my coach,” said Anthony Giron
“Because the program taught me how to grow vegetables, I started my own garden of carrots and corn at home,” said fourth grader Majore Paraca. “If it wasn’t for this program, I would be stuck at home watching TV and eating junk food.”
Over the past year, this initiative provided employment opportunities, relevant experience and scholarships in the sport for development sector for young adults in this tough economy. Many of the coaches are college graduates from the local community. The projects where CAA coaches were placed included: A World Fit for Kids!, HOLA, After-School All-Stars L.A., America SCORES L.A., Brotherhood Crusade, Kids in Sports, PLAY SOCCER Nonprofit International, Play Rugby USA
“I’ve seen tremendous achievement over the past year with the children and youth that this initiative supports,” say Dr. James Kallusky
Today’s project visit emphasizes the importance of quality afterschool mentors. Children from WFIT and CAA coaches will participate in a series of activities, as well as a meet-and-greet between children and Laureus Academy members. WFIT provides afterschool programming for elementary, middle and high school students throughout the Los Angeles About Up2Us Up2Us is leading a national movement to advance sports as a a solution to the critical challenges facing today’s youth, including childhood obesity, academic failure and youth violence. Up2Us accomplishes its mission by uniting more than 650 sports programs that provide life skills development to this nation’s most vulnerable youth. Â In 2010, Up2Us launched Coach Across America (CAA) Â to provide its member organizations with well-trained, highly effective coaches. CAA is the first national program that challenges young adults to give back to their communities through a year of service as coach-mentors. Â This year, CAA is placing more than 400 coach-mentors nationwide, reaching 50,000 children. Â Up2Us is supported by Mercedes-Benz USA