Coaching comes with responsibility. We at Up2Us Sports know this more than anyone. Our program supports one of the most diverse corps of coaches in the country. The vast majority of our coaches are from the same communities they serve. They are using their coaching to mentor youth who experience everyday inequalities in their schools, playgrounds and neighborhoods. For Up2Us Sports, our coaches are mentors, leaders and role models to everyone on their team. Our coaches foster values that include teamwork and mutual self-respect.
We at Up2Us Sports stand alongside all of our coaches in our national effort to end discrimination and racism. We stand by our coaches in this struggle to see equality in education, health, housing, governance and economic opportunity. We stand by our coaches as the future leaders of an America that emblemizes social solidarity in which we are all equally valued as members of the same team.
We strongly believe that a great coach should set goals and strategies that result in success. As a national organization, we are doing the same. We pledge even more outreach to programs that serve black and brown communities. We pledge to create more opportunities for professional development, jobs and leadership among our young men and women of color. We pledge more training on how all coaches can use sports as a tool to end racism and promote social justice.
We also believe that exceptional coaching fosters perseverance and endurance. The road ahead will not be easy or quick. The victory will be defined by continuing the effort even when streets are empty and social media activity dies down. We pledge to stand by our coaches now, tomorrow and long into the future until our goals for a just and equitable society are met.
Nelson Mandela said “sports can create hope, where there was once only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.”
Thank you, Up2Us Sports Coaches, for the example you have set. We stand by you and all those who are coaching others to break down social barriers and end discrimination.
Sincerely,
Paul Caccamo
Founder & CEO
