17th Annual Ultimate Sports Extravaganza and Auction

By MWF/PIO
Jan. 9, 2010

Have you ever counted backward before taking that shot…pumped your fists after sinking a putt or hitting that perfect backhand winner…faked a home run trot or raised your hands singling touchdown, even though the game was just in your backyard…

We understand.

We all want to have the glory, wish to be the hero, even for just a moment. Sports can provide that opportunity, especially for a child.

This year we are celebrating those magical moments that live inside each and every one of us.

The 17th Annual Make-A-Wish Ultimate Sports Extravaganza & Auction will highlight the theme, “Every Child Deserves to Wish.” 

Join us February 25th at 6:00 p.m. at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Florida.

This year’s event is poised to be our most exciting. The star-studded extravaganza will be filled with various interactive moments with local and national celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment, as well as some very special wish children.

The auction will have unique items that appeal to the avid collector as well as someone just looking for a special keepsake.

The hotel’s catering has promised to create an epicurean delight from the hors d’oeuvres to the sit down dinner.

Sure, the above alone would make for a great night; however the Make-A-Wish Foundation is about creating tremendous evenings.

As such, we are pleased to announce that our Featured Guest will be legendary Miami Dolphins and Hall of Fame Coach Don Shula.

This event will provide you with the opportunity to interact with the ONLY coach to lead an NFL team to an undefeated season and the winnings coach in league history.

We are honored to have him participate in this historical event and hope that you will share in the festivities. 

Tickets for the Make-A-Wish Ultimate Sports Extravaganza & Auction are now available beginning at $250. 

Sponsorships, which include exclusive event benefits for complete tables of ten, are also available starting at $2,500.  Call 954-967-9474 ext. 318 today.

 

The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa – Hollywood, FL 

Date: February 25, 2010

Time: 6:00 p.m.

 

 

Source: Make a Wish Foundation

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

NFL Charles Woodson Gives Back Donates $2 million to U-M Hospital

By Larry Lage
AP
Nov. 27, 2009

 

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP)—Charles Woodson(notes) wants to be known as more than a football player.

Donating $2 million to the new University of Michigan Mott Children’s Hospital and Women’s Hospital gives him a chance to do that.

The school announced Woodson’s gift on Thanksgiving before he played for the Green Bay Packers against the Detroit Lions.

Then, he intercepted two passes—returning one for a score—forced a fumble, recovered it and had a sack.

“It was a good day,” Woodson said after Green Bay’s 34-12 win in Detroit.

His donation will support pediatric research by The Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund in the $754-million, 1.1-million square foot hospital scheduled to open in 2012.

“He’s really studied and tried to understand what the issues are in doing research in pediatrics,” Dr. Valerie Castle said. “What most people don’t know is that less than 10 percent of the National Institute of Health budget goes toward research in pediatric disease.

“When you study those patients, you often times get clues to adult diseases.”

Woodson hopes to attract the world’s best researchers who want to help children with cancer, heart disease, kidney disorders and autism.

“I want to be part of that symbol of hope,” Woodson said. “So that they can say, ‘I know I can beat this thing and there’s people out there who will help me beat it.”’

Woodson said during a visit to Ann Arbor earlier this month that becoming a father in January motivated him to make the gift, altering his outlook on life.

“It can change a lot,” he said.

Lloyd Carr, his coach at Michigan, hopes Woodson’s gift pushes his peers to also give back.

“I think it’s going to have a significant influence across the athletic world that he decided to do this,” Carr said.

Woodson acknowledged feeling awkward about allowing a Fox TV reporter and crew to follow him as he visited patients on a day off in November, but said it was part of his mission.

“Half of the battle is about awareness,” Woodson said. “When I signed on board to be a part of this team, that was going to be part of the deal. Part of making it work is me being a face or spokesman.

“I guess what bigger days can we do it to bring awareness to the cause when everybody is watching a Thanksgiving Day game?”

The native of Fremont, Ohio, helped Michigan win the national championship in 1997. He won the Heisman Trophy as a cornerback who also played wide receiver and returned punts.

His memories from college on and off the field led to him giving back financially.

“It was probably best three years of my life that I can remember, other than having my son,” Woodson said. “When people still see me, even though I have been in Green Bay and Oakland, they still talk about Michigan.”

On the Net: Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund:

 

Source: Yahoo News

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

Special Olympian of the Week – Sarah

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/GCC
Nov. 14, 2009

Editor’s Note: There are a lot of God’s special children in this world that you need your help. After reading this article, it doesn’t make you want to get involved we don’t know what would.

We hope you will enjoy the story below:

We would like to know what you think. dan@younghronicle.com

 

By Special Olympics/PIO

Sarah is exuberant when she talks about Special Olympics.  Born with Down syndrome, Sarah has been in Special Olympics for four years.  “My coaches have worked really hard.  They have taught me how to start off, how to breathe, how to pace myself and how to blast through at the end of the race.  I want to work harder to run faster.  I want them to be proud of me.”

Sarah’s mother, Sue, was a lifeguard for Special Olympics when she was a university student.  Little did she know how important that experience would become.  “With Down syndrome, Sarah’s biggest challenge is that it sometimes takes her longer to process information.”  Sue adds, “So Sarah keeps working to improve.  She is very conscientious about being organized and finishing whatever she starts.”

 

A Closer Look

Sarah is in 7th grade at a middle school in Michigan.  She plays the clarinet in the band and practices every day.  Adam, her Jack Russell terrier, cries sometimes when she plays but she pretends he is singing. With Special Olympics, Sarah has competed and won medals in track, and this year she will learn bocce.  When in training for track, she works with a Special Olympics coach three times a week and runs a mile every day in her neighborhood.

She tells us, “I push myself harder at Special Olympics and I have more fun.  I am a runner!  I want to do the best I can.”

As Sue Itoh tells us, “We have met so many wonderful people, coaches and athletes through Special Olympics.  The best part is being with everyone.”  Sarah adds, “I like people to cheer me on and to be proud of me.  I smile a lot at Special Olympics.”
It feels good to run hard,” says Special Olympics athlete Sarah Itoh.  “I never ran races before going to Special Olympics.”
 
Ready Set Go! “I push myself harder at Special Olympics and I have more fun,” says Special Olympics athlete Sarah Itoh.

Source: Special Olympics

Alexander Rogov a Man of Courage

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/YC
October. 21, 2009

Editor’s Note: There are a lot of God’s special children in this world that you need your help. After reading this article, it doesn’t make you want to get involved we don’t know what would.

We hope you will enjoy the story below:

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

By Special Olympics
October 19, 2009

Alexander Rogov had to face the reality of not achieving his dream because of an injury at the World Winter Games, but had the courage and spirit to support his teammates.

When Special Olympics Russia’s Alexander Rogov learned he was going to compete as a speed skater in the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games he thought of one thing – winning a medal.

On the first day of preliminaries for the 333-meter speed skating event Rogov fell to the ice on the third and final lap with a tear in his Achilles tendon. He courageously got back to his feet and was able to make it across the finish line, but it would be the last time he would wear his speed skates at these World Games. After traveling from his small town an hour outside of St. Petersburg, all the way to Idaho, his dreams of winning a medal in his first World Winter Games were over – on the eve of his 18th birthday.

“I was very disappointed,” Rogov said through an interpreter. “Winning a medal was the thing I wanted to do the most at the Games.”

As he underwent a successful surgery to repair the tendon, word of Rogov’s story spread throughout the community of athletes, coaches, volunteers and staff at the World Games. By the time he was back in his hotel room recovering, Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver had heard of Rogov’s story and visited him.

He told Shriver that it was difficult to remain in his room while his friends and fellow athletes competed in their own events. “It was very hard not to compete,” said Rogov. “But my teammates were very supportive and gave me updates of how our team did and who won medals.”

“He is a very good teammate, always willing to help out with equipment or whatever was needed,” said Alexey Shumilovsky, a friend and teammate of Rogov. “Our team missed him because he is a very good skater and probably would have won a medal for Special Olympics Russia.”

Shortly before the Closing Ceremony on 13 February, Rogov said he still had not told his family back in Russia about his injury. He thought his older brother and sister and his parents would be sad for him so he wanted to wait until he could tell them in person that he was not able to win a medal, so he can comfort them and tell them it is okay and not to be sad.

“I still had a lot of fun,” he said. “And I’m looking forward to being with my teammates for the Closing Ceremony. But if I had one wish it would be that I was able to win a medal.”

At the Closing Ceremony, Rogov received a big surprise when during his opening remarks, Shriver retold Rogov’s story of determination and courage. He called Rogov out on the stage to stand next to him, and Rogov made his way to the podium on his crutches, his foot in a walking boot. Shriver then told a packed house at the Idaho Centre in Nampa about a young man who traveled so far in hopes of living a dream, only to have to face the reality of not achieving that dream.

“I’ve talked to many skaters who told me that when you have an injury to your Achilles you’re lucky to be strong enough to walk anytime soon,” Shriver said. “Well, Alexander Rogov embodied the Special Olympics spirit of determination to overcome all odds when not only did he get back on his feet after falling, but he finished his race. He crossed the finish line, and while he did not win, he fulfilled the Special Olympics athlete oath by being brave in the attempt.”

Shriver gestured to the crowd, saying, “With all of your approval, what I’d like to do now is award Alex an honorary gold medal for bravery.  What do you think?”

The answer was unanimous as the crowd rose to its feet in booming cheers and thunderous applause and a young man’s dream was realized with a beaming smile and the glimmer of gold.

Source: Special Olympics

A Special Angel Meet Ximena

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/YC
Oct. 17, 2009

Editor’s Note: There are a lot of God’s special children in this world that you need your help. After reading this article, it doesn’t make you want to get involved we don’t know what would.

We hope you will enjoy the story below:

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

By Special Olympics
Oct. 17, 2009

On paper, Ximena de Varela may sound like a typical popular, high-achieving high school student. She is on the Honor Roll and sets high standards for herself at school.  But she is not like most of her classmates at Panama’s Colegio Brader. Until recently, she was the first and only student with special needs to attend her school.

Ximena has Down syndrome, a chromosomal disorder that leads to developmental delays and intellectual disability. Despite her disability, within days of meeting her new classmates, she formed new friendships and dispelled old attitudes about disabilities and capabilities. Her impact on and acceptance by the student body impressed the school so much that it opened its doors to other students with special needs. Now the school is an example for inclusion throughout the country. “Ximena is a role model for us and all of humanity,” states one classmate.

Inspired by Ximena, Vivian Fernandez de Torrijos, herself a parent of a child with special needs, launched a national campaign promoting programs of inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities when she was first lady of the Republic of Panama. (The former first lady is also a member of the Special Olympics International Board of Directors.) Torrijos champions the work of Special Olympics and inclusion throughout Central America.

Special Olympics aren’t just making a difference; it’s driving a revolution, transforming the way people with and without disabilities think about one another and lives together. Special Olympics are committed to bringing youth with and without intellectual disabilities together in a spirit of cooperation and inclusion. Special Olympics’ outreach to youth and schools is happening now around the world. Special Olympics Unified Sports is uniting people with and without disabilities on the field of competition. Through Special Olympics Get Into It® school diversity curriculum, Project UNIFY and SO College, Special Olympics is working year-round to create bonds of understanding and friendship, both on and off the playing field.

Even in societies where people with disabilities are shunned or hidden away, Special Olympics is working to break down barriers and change attitudes of the young people who will be tomorrow’s leaders.

Every dollar you give to Special Olympics helps light the way to a better world. Even the smallest gift is enough to change one mind, one attitude, one life for the better.

What YOU Can Do

Whether you are an athlete looking to compete, a volunteer looking to make a difference, or you’re just looking to have fun and be a part of something — come be a part of Special Olympics, and experience your own story of transformation.

Source: Special Olympics

Olympian Swimmer Helps Cancer Survivors

by TSC/PIO
Oct. 11, 2009

Cancer Center Celebrities 25th Anniversary

Olympic swimmer and testicular cancer survivor Eric Shanteau will share his story of challenge and triumph as part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the After Completion of Therapy Clinic of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

This month, the facility is marking a quarter of a century of service aimed at supporting and following survivors’ progress for decades after treatment. Shanteau, who underwent therapy last year, was diagnosed just one week before he was due to compete in the 2008 Olympic Games but was still able to participate and achieved a personal best time in the 200-meter breaststroke.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S., and the National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 1.4 million Americans will be diagnosed with it in 2009.

At the same time, treatments have become more successful, and gathering long-term data on survivors has become important to improving their quality of life and yielding scientific insights into new treatments, according to the hospital.

“It is important to remember that survivorship begins at the day of diagnosis. We consider all of our patients survivors,” says Dr. Melissa Hudson, co-leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program.

She adds the clinic’s main goal is to help people thrive despite their medical history. “We want them to see that, once they get through therapy, they can lead normal, productive lives,” Hudson emphasizes.

Those interested in supporting the hospital’s work may visit its website to offer a donation.

Meanwhile, patients facing a cancer diagnosis, as well as their families and friends, may access valuable informational resources through the American Cancer Society or the National Cancer Institute.

Source: The Survivors Club

 

Editor’s Note: This month is Cancer Breast Month, please support this great cause.

We would like to hear your story and what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Major League Baseball: Gift From the Heart

By Zach Jones
Sept 22, 2009

 

Each year from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the contributions of Americans of Spanish and Latin heritage. On Friday, Pittsburgh baseball fans paid special tribute to the city’s most popular Hispanic hero, Roberto Clemente.

A native of Puerto Rico, the baseball legend played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1954 until his death in 1972. Off the field, Clemente was known for his commitment to helping others. The Roberto Clemente Day of Giving, hosted by the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 18, celebrated Roberto’s gifts to the world.

 

A Celebration of Giving Back

When Roberto died in a plane crash in 1972, he was on his way to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. His commitment to charity and volunteer work continues to inspire others today. That’s why his team started the “Day of Giving” in his honor.

The Pirates used the day to introduce people in their community to local charities. Clothing and food were collected for people in need, and raffle tickets were sold to support the team’s own charity fund.

Team players who had served the community received awards. In Clemente’s memory, the Pirates and players on Pittsburgh’s Minor League teams now complete at least 10 hours of volunteer work as part of the Pirates Community Commitment Program. With more than 250 baseball players volunteering their skills this year, that’s a winning hit for community service!

Home Run for Hispanic Heritage

As a child, Roberto was a gifted player and a big fan of baseball. His years of practice paid off. He was recruited for Puerto Rico’s amateur league while still in high school.

In 1954, he was drafted into the Major League and joined the Pittsburgh Pirates. He moved to Pennsylvania and stayed with the same team for almost 20 years.

Early in his career, Clemente was among many Hispanic athletes who had to cope with racism. At games, fans sometimes yelled racist insults at him—and so did some of his teammates. But he brushed it off. “I don’t believe in color,” Clemente once told reporters.

In time, Clemente became one of the sport’s most celebrated stars. He was the first Hispanic American to earn a World Series ring as a starting player in 1960, to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1966, and the World Series MVP award, in 1971. Outside the game, Clemente spent his time helping at Pittsburgh’s charities. After growing up with a large family and not a lot of money, he felt lucky to be able to give back when he could.

After his death in 1972, Clemente was honored as the first Hispanic American to be voted into Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame. Although his career and life were cut short, Clemente helped change American attitudes about Hispanics in professional sports—on and off the field.

 

A Family Tradition

Before he died, Clemente planned to build a sports center for kids near his boyhood home in Puerto Rico. He wanted to create a place where kids could learn how to play sports and how to become good citizens.

Years later, his wife, Vera, made his dream come true. Now more than 100,000 kids visit the Roberto Clemente Sports City each year.

The couple’s eldest son, Roberto Clemente Jr., runs the Roberto Clemente Foundation. The organization’s mission is to help make athletic and education programs available to many people.

Reporters often asked Roberto Sr. about his successes, and he once responded, “Why does everyone talk about the past? All that counts is tomorrow’s game.” He always focused on the next win. Today, his family and teammates are still winning by giving back in his honor.

Source: Scholastic News Online

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Why Should Girls Play Sports?

 

by: Mary L. Gavin, MD 
Sept. 20, 2009

Why play sports? You might say “to get exercise” and you’d be right. To have fun? That’s true, too. But there’s more. In fact, there are at least 5 more reasons. According to the Women’s Sports Foundation, girls who play sports get a lot more than just fit.

 

Girls who play sports do better in school. You might think that athletics will take up all your study time. But research shows that girls who play sports do better in school than those who don’t. Exercise improves learning, memory, and concentration, which can give active girls an advantage in the classroom.

 

Girls who play sports learn teamwork and goal-setting skills. Sports teaches valuable life skills. When you working with coaches, trainers, and teammates to win games and achieve goals, you’re learning how to be successful. Those skills will serve you well at work and in family life.

Sports are good for a girl’s health. In addition to being fit and maintaining a healthy weight, girls who play sports are also less likely to smoke. And later in life, girls who exercise are less likely to get breast cancer or osteoporosis.

Playing sports boosts self-confidence. Girls who play sports feel better about themselves. Why? It builds confidence when you know you can practice, improve, and achieve your goals. Sports are also a feel-good activity because they help girls get in shape, maintain a healthy weight, and make new friends.

Exercise cuts the pressure. Playing sports can lessen stress and help you feel a little happier. How? The brain chemicals released during exercise improve a person’s mood. Friends are another mood-lifter. And being on a team creates tight bonds between friends. It’s good to know your teammates will support you — both on and off the field!

Source: Kids Health

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

Behind Scenes: U.S. Open’s Arthur Ashe Kids Day Event.

byJacqueline Minogue
Sept. 10, 2009

 

“Rain, rain go away…” that is all I could think about as I arrived at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York, on Saturday. I was there to cover Arthur Ashe Kids Day. The morning activities had already been already canceled. I did not want the stadium concert to be canceled also. Kids Day is the official kick off of the U.S. Open tennis tournament. 

As I walked in the drizzling rain to the press gate, I also realized I did not look my best. All my worries disappeared though once I entered the media center. The place was packed, hectic, and buzzing with excitement.

Press officials explained to reporters that once we entered the dining room where the celebrities were waiting, we would only have a few minutes to get our interviews and photos. In other words: HURRY!

As soon as it was my turn, I raced over to American Idol Jordin Sparks. She recognized my red Scholastic Kids Press Corps shirt. “I used to love reading Scholastic Books!” she said. I literally only had a few seconds with her before the handlers told me to finish up. It was like “speed interviewing”!

Despite the rush, I managed to talk to rising musical stars Justin Bieber and the members of Honor Society. But I missed a lot of the others, like Will Ferrell and the tennis pros, because they had to leave to get ready for their big performances.

I went out to the stadium to see the show and discovered that the rain had stopped! Almost the entire stadium was filled with kids and their families. Everyone danced and sang along with the concert and enjoyed seeing the favorite tennis stars goofing around on the court.

As I was walking out of the stadium after the show, I asked some of the kids what they thought of the day. They loved it!

Then I spotted #3 seed Rafael Nadal walking into the stadium. I ran over to see if I could ask him some questions. He just took my notepad and signed it! I realized he was wearing headphones and couldn’t hear me. He didn’t realize I was a reporter and he was gone before I could explain.

Next, I saw retired tennis great Jimmy Connors. He was in a hurry and wouldn’t talk, but was nice enough to pose for a picture.

Even though the day was gloomy, the stars shined brighter than ever! It was a great day to be a Scholastic Kid Reporter.

 

Editor’s Note: PHOTOS: (TOP) Kid Reporter Jacqueline Minogue with members of the singing group Honor Society; (MIDDLE) Jacqueline with rising singing sensation Justin Bieber; (BOTTOM) Rafael Nadal signs an authograph. (Photos courtesy Jacqueline Minogue)

We would like to know what you think?dan@youngchronicle.com

 

Source:  Scholastic News Online

Proper Diet, Keeps Energy

By Micah Simon
Sept. 3, 2009

Proper fluid intake and a healthy pre-game diet can help youth athletes perform at their best on the football field.

As football season begins for youth athletes, it’s important for them to take care of their bodies before, during and after physical activity. Drinking the right fluids and eating the right foods is the best way for athletes to stay energized and hydrated. Oftentimes, however, kids and their parents aren’t aware of what’s really best to eat and drink during football season.

Kim Schwabenbauer is the Corporate Dietitian for Super Bakery and a member of USA Football’s Health and Safety Committee. She said an important thing for parents of athletes ages 7 to 14 to be mindful of is proper fluid intake.

“I would say my first tip would be to drink two cups or 16 ounces of water about two hours prior to practice or prior to a game,” Schwabenbauer said. “You do need to have water within your system because you are going to be sweating quite profusely whenever it’s this hot in the fall.”

Schwabenbauer also mentioned drinking sports drinks such as Gatorade for physical activity lasting longer than one hour.

“In practices or games that are lasting over an hour, they do want to consider consuming an electrolyte beverage – meaning something that has sodium and potassium,” she said. “The kids don’t necessarily need them in the first hour, but they do need them from an hour on.”

Youth athletes should also have a different diet from youths not involved in sports. Given their higher level of physical activity, youth athletes should also have a slightly higher calorie intake to stay energized.

“They are expending energy and therefore calories are being burned through activity, so their activity rate is higher so they need higher calories,” Schwabenbauer said. “At the same time, the makeup of the diet would also be different in that the carbohydrate portion of the diet needs to be a higher proportion.”

Schwabenbauer said 60 to 65 percent of the child’s diet should be complex carbohydrates, meaning those that contain fiber and whole grains. Carbohydrates are the main fuel source during activity, making it important for kids to eat carbohydrates at every meal.

Two or three hours before a game, Schwabenbauer suggests kids eat a snack or small meal. Kids don’t need to eat anything during a game as much as they need to take proper fluids.

“All they really have to consume during the actual game would be water for the first hour and then an electrolyte beverage after that,” she said. “In excessive heat, I would say an electrolyte beverage for the first hour.”

Schwabenbauer also emphasized the importance of not diluting electrolyte beverages. She said kids do this a lot because it helps the drink taste better, but it actually takes away from the nutritional benefits of the drink.

“This practice I see quite a bit when they dilute the Gatorade with a lot of water, and something they need to know is that it doesn’t perform in the same way that it’s actually supposed to,” Schwabenbauer said. “It doesn’t give them as many electrolytes, calories, energy and things like that when they dilute it.”

Within 30 minutes after a game, youth athletes should have at least a snack that has both carbohydrates and protein. Within two hours after practice or a game, Schwabenbauer said kids need to have an actual meal.

“That meal should contain all the components of a regular meal they would be eating, such as a high quality protein source like turkey, baked chicken breast or tacos with vegetables on it,” she said. “They’re also going to need a carbohydrate so they’re going to need a pasta or bread component.”

Schwabenbauer said the after-activity meal doesn’t have to be dinner food. It could also be breakfast food such as omelets with meat and veggies and whole wheat bread as long as the meal contains a protein and carbohydrate.

For parents, planning ahead is an easier and healthier choice to make for their kids. They can grab food for practice when they need it and make sure they have healthy choices easily accessible.

“You save that time,” Schwabenbauer said. “Portioning out snacks for the week, such as grapes and carrots, and it’s all set and ready to go. It’s just easy to whip out the snack from the refrigerator and not have to think a thing of it.”

Proper nutrition is a key part of success for youth athletes on and off the field. Throughout the season, the right nutritious choices can help make the best of a young athlete’s performance on the football field, while instilling healthful habits for life.

Links related to this article:

Proper Hydration can Prevent Summertime Injuries
Summit Participants Undergo Hydration 101

Source: USA Football

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

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