Volume 19, Issue 3 | April 14, 2020
Parent Workshop, Virtual Summits Highlight Response to COVID-19
For most of the country, this week marks a full month since the novel coronavirus began to shut down our schools, businesses and communities. With athletes, parents, coaches and administrators all deeply affected by the pandemic, on March 20th Play Like a Champion began hosting a series of weekly virtual "Summits" on the impact of COVID-19 in communities, as well as resources and solutions for partners. Those interested can read summaries of these initial Summits here and here , or by checking out the "From our Blog" section later in this email.

The latest event took place on Tuesday, April 14th as Play Like a Champion hosted a virtual parent workshop. Parent Like a Champion Today : Support & Resources for Families During COVID-19 brought together parents and leaders from across North America to engage in a conversation on the unique challenges that families are currently facing and learn solutions for improving physical, mental and spiritual health. Featuring commentary and presentations by Clark Power, Kristin Sheehan, Catherine Matthews and Orlandus Thomas (father of the precious Baby Quentin - pictured here), the full presentation can be viewed by clicking here and PowerPoint slides from the presentation can be accessed by clicking here . Partners are encouraged to use this material to host your own virtual workshops with parents. Simply share the video of Play Like a Champion's workshop with your community or use the PowerPoint to host your own presentation using any video conference software. Please share this resource with anyone who might benefit!

It is important that during this time we gather (virtually) in our communities to support each other and provide resources. Children, parents and coaches can all benefit from connecting in the midst of social isolation and access to tools that provide for physical, mental and spiritual growth. Be on the lookout for more of Play Like a Champion's Virtual Summits in the weeks ahead, including the upcoming sessions below! 
Play Like a Champion to Host Virtual Youth, High School Partner Summits Next Week!
Join Play Like a Champion for the next in our series of virtual Partner Summits on the impact of COVID-19 on youth and high school sports. Next week will feature separate sessions for youth (K-8) and high school arenas, with discussion centered on the challenges leaders are facing, useful resources during the crisis, and what the future holds for sport. Click the link below to register and join partners across the country in kinship to engage in these important conversations.
A Message from Dr. Clark Power
Last week was Holy Week for Christians around the world. Easter this year was anything but ordinary for most and Play Like a Champion  Founder and Executive Director Dr. Clark Power shared a message of hope, with key thoughts on the impact that COVID-19 is having in our homes and communities. The message is relevant each day as we move forward seeking hope in this unique time. We invite you to take a moment to watch Power's message by clicking here .
2020 Play Like a Champion Conference Update
The health and safety of everyone in the Play Like a Champion community is our foremost concern. Having carefully considered all the factors involved with the current COVID-19 crisis, Play Like a Champio n has made the decision to hold our annual Sports Leadership Conference   virtually, rather than gathering in person this June. With travel restrictions, limitations on social gatherings and recommendations for social distancing expected to continue, we believe this decision best serves our national community, while providing for an enriching opportunity online. Those who had already registered were provided information about the announcement and reimbursement options via email.

As we are all needed to respond to the children we serve now more than ever, watch for information on our Virtual Conference coming in June, with a full range of offerings to be announced in the near future. We will miss being together in-person this summer, but look forward to gathering online to support one another, to be educated, and to be inspired as we advance our work with youth in athletics.
A call to action for the American Church, the book invites clergy, administrators, coaches and parents at all levels to work both individually and collectively to improve sports for our children and the world around us. Commentary on the Vatican document is combined with details on how to elevate the culture of Catholic-sponsored sports programs and increase the availability of sports for children across the country. Chapters discuss everything from the value and theology of play to the role of coaches, parents and both lay and church leaders in creating a Pastoral Action Plan that implements the Church's vision. The book also contains a rich collection of tangible resources for use in character development and faith formation through sports, including several of Play Like a Champion's most popular resources as well as new materials.

Watch for additional information as the book is released in the coming weeks, as we'll provide details on how you can purchase the book and join the conversation! Together, we can elevate the culture of youth sports, improving the game for parents, coaches and athletes across America!
Website Provides Resources to Keep Kids Active
With widespread "stay at home" orders impacting families across the country, it can be a struggle to keep children active. It's critical to the physical and mental health of our children that they get regular exercise and maintain goals while without organized sports. With this in mind,  Play Like a Champion  created a page on its website dedicated to aggregating resources and sharing ideas, with a goal of helping parents and coaches to keep kids moving until we can return to normal activity. We encourage you to explore and share the website, then interact with Play Like a Champion on Facebook Twitter  and  Instagram  to get additional resources and share your own. Together, we can keep kids healthy & strong while helping stop the spread of COVID-19!
From Our Blog...
Youth & High Schools Detail Unique Challenges, Solutions to COVID-19

As many teachers learn how to provide online instruction for the first time, youth and high school coaches are finding themselves in a new world as well, learning how to train and develop athletes without being physically present. As schools and sports organizations from coast to coast consider how to provide the physical and mental support that children need during this crisis, Play Like a Champion gathered national partners this week for its third in a series of virtual summits on Youth Sports & COVID-19: How is it Affecting Our Communities?

Play Like a Champion Hosts Summits on Response in Youth Sports

Play Like a Champion would like to call attention to the faces of the children and adolescents who live in neighborhoods of concentrated poverty. When schools close and after-school sports opportunities that support these children are cancelled, many of these children are left without food or a safe shelter; the caring coaches who encourage, mentor, and love them leave a large void when they're not able to be around. As our partners in the North Lawndale Athletic and Recreation Association (NLARA) noted this week...


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