Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA, the leading foundation that uses the positive power of sport to tackle society's most pressing challenges, announced its newest ambassador, four-time US Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin at the Playworks’ East Bay Junior Coach Conference, where she kicked-off her induction by announcing Laureus USA’s continued support of Playworks.
Thanks to national patron Mercedes-Benz USA, Laureus USA also announced it will continue funding Playworks through 2017, providing $1.5 million in support of five Playworks markets across the country: Texas, Michigan, Arizona, Georgia, and the Pacific Northwest. With the additional $750,000 a year, Playworks can provide their coaches with the resources needed to be successful mentors to youth in need. Through the funding, Laureus USA will continue to support the growth of a national, trained coaching force that will positively impact kids across the country.
"We are thrilled that Laureus has elected to extend their partnership with us. Their support is critical to our continued success and essential to amplifying our message that sport and play have the power to bring out the best in every kid," says Playworks Founder and CEO Jill Vialet.
Vialet joined Franklin in hosting a leadership discussion and a workshop, giving a group fourth- and fifth-graders selected as Playworks Junior Coaches encouragement, tips and skills on proper goal setting and how to manage facilitating games and leveraging play for their peers during school.
