By Marcela Berrios, Hannah Storm Journalism Intern
ND will hold its third annual Play Like A Champion Today Sports as Ministry Leadership Conference on campus June 22-28. The conference seeks to combat the “win at all costs” mentality of many sports programs and transform the culture of youth sports by teaching coaches and parents to nurture personal and spiritual development along with athletic excellence.
Housed at the University’s Center for Ethical Education, the Play Like A Champion Today (PLC) Educational Series focuses on the challenges of coaching children and creating a setting where young athletes can develop character, solidarity and integrity through sports. The program helps train the trainers–the coaches, parents and administrators–with workshops on educational practices that are practical, detailed and geared toward the best possible experience for the child.
The leadership conference will further allow participants to attend workshops and sessions designed specifically for their type of athletic program or their personal role. Representatives from parishes and Catholic schools have the option of attending the Sports as Ministry events, while those from public leagues may prefer the Coaching for Character sessions. Parent Like A Champion is aimed at parents who want to make sure their involvement in their kids’ athletics serves the children’s best interest. The program also will unveil a Catholic high school initiative at this summer’s conference.
Speakers at the 2008 PLC Leadership conference include Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger ’76, who inspired the hit movie “Rudy.” Former ND All-American defensive tackle and former NFL player Mike McCoy ’70 and different coaches and administrators from the Notre Dame athletic department will also speak.
For more information or to register for the conference, click here. You may also call the Play Like a Champion office at 574-631-9981, or send an e-mail.
