Special Olympics Northern California’s Post

Leadership in the Sport The future of any sports is dependent upon the vitality of community, town and recreation-‐based programs that provide increased accessibility to the sport and embrace diversity and inclusion as cultural priorities.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY I’ve loved sports since I was a kid, both as a fairly mediocre participant and as a fan. My passion for sports, however, is being sorely tested and may soon flame out. In short, I am disgusted by most of what I see happening around sports at every level, from the pros on down to high schools. Today’s example #1: Chucky Hepburn, a good but not great basketball player for the UW Badgers. Despite his acknowledged high value to his teammates and coach Greg Gard, as well as his failure to achieve the goals of winning the Big 10 championship and a deep run in the NCAA tourney, Hepburn has decided that “loyalty” means nothing and playing for UW apparently won’t get him drafted high enough by the NBA, so he’s headed to Greener Pastureland, i.e., the Transfer Portal. Like so many of today’s collegiate athletes, it’s all about ”me, me, and me” and, of course, the cash payout from NIL coupled with his draft potential into the pros. Well, I say good riddance to Chucky. His selfish attitude is emblematic of far too many of his college-level contemporaries across the country. And then, speaking of NIL (name, image, and likeness) we have example #2: the WIAA is considering allowing high school athletes to benefit from NIL. That’s right, your neighbor Scooter from the local high school basketball team may soon be able to offer his own signature shoe. Of course, if NIL is adopted, instead of taking the bus to school, Scooter will be driving in his new Corvette. Is it just a fond memory of mine, or do you also remember days when people played a sport because they loved it, not because of what their participation could add to their bank account? #sports #basketball #college #university #uw #chuckyhepburn #nil #namelikenessimage #pros #professional #athletes #money #wiaa #highschool #wisconsin #transfer #portal https://lnkd.in/ggUBhAw3

📚 Dive into the world of basketball with us. Did you know that grassroots basketball programs in the Caribbean are pivotal in cultivating young talent. By supporting these initiatives, we empower the next generation, giving them the tools to succeed on and off the court. Our commitment to environmentally conscious practices ensures that these programs are sustainable, benefiting the community without compromising the environment. Have you participated in or supported a local basketball program. Tell us your story. 🌿🏀#BasketballEducation #Sustainability Education and sustainable growth are at the heart of developing basketball in the Caribbean. Detailed insights into the region's basketball evolution reveal how we can make a lasting impact by incorporating eco-friendly practices. It's about more than winning games; it's about nurturing minds and fostering a love for the game. Let's work together to create a lasting legacy for future athletes. 🌟📈#EcoFriendly #LegacyBuilding.

What is FSI all about? Check out this piece with Sports Spectrum to learn more about the opportunities available for Christian leaders in sports! https://lnkd.in/gwGzY9VQ

Caitlin Clark, one of the most prolific athletes in college basketball, has recently been at the center of heated political debates. This video explores how political motivations have played a role in the criticism and support she has received. We delve into the history of politically motivated attacks in sports and analyze why Caitlin Clark's situation stands out. From her stunning performances on the court to the broader societal implications, we break down every angle of this controversial topic. #CaitlinClark #SportsPolitics #AthleteActivism #Basketball #CollegeBasketball #PoliticalDebate #SportsHistory #Controversy #AthleteSupport #WomenInSports Caitlin Clark, politically motivated attack, sports history, athlete activism, basketball, college basketball, political debate, controversy, athlete support, women in sports

The concept this week. You don’t need luck; you need to do your best. As a football fan, I always look forward to the upset victories. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have made it increasingly difficult for smaller colleges to compete with the traditional powerhouses in the current college football landscape. Insert Northern Illinois’ upset victory over #5 Notre Dame. Notre Dame paid NIU almost 1.5 Million dollars to play them in South Bend, under the pretense that they would win big. As the number 5 ranked college football program in the country, Notre Dame was favored to win by four touchdowns against NIU. Last week, Notre Dame beat nationally ranked Texas A&M in College Station, and everyone believed that the Fighting Irish were on their way to the College Football Playoffs. Not so fast, my friends (Lee Corso Voice). NIU’s starters were primarily juniors and seniors who had been in the program for a long time. They know exactly what’s required; they have 10k+ hours in the program. After NIU beat ND, the post-game reporter asked the NIU head coach, Thomas Hammond, what he shared with the team to inspire them to win. Hammond responded, “I told my team we didn’t need luck; we just needed our best.” Don’t bet on luck this week if you don’t have to. Trust and believe in your best. Believing and obsessing about improving your best helps you avoid being outcome-oriented, keeps you present, and helps you progress towards that ‘big opportunity’. Look at this post-game interview! I love College Football for this reason. #MusaMonday #MondayMotivation

Election seasons can bring out our passions, differences, and sometimes even a sense of division. But as the results settle in, let’s remember that we’re all ultimately on the same team... one that’s playing for a better future. At Signature Athletics, Inc [Holding Co.], we’re grounded in a belief that the youth sports experience helps build the next generation of leaders, dreamers, and difference-makers. Whether they’re lacing up their cleats or picking up a lacrosse stick, these young athletes are learning resilience, teamwork, and mutual respect... the kind of qualities that will make them ready to lead!! It’s up to us, regardless of party lines or personal views, to give them the foundation to thrive. Investing in youth sports is one way we can come together as a community, unified by a common purpose of lifting up the next generation. Let’s embrace the spirit of unity as we move forward, strengthening our communities and empowering young athletes across the nation. If we can build this foundation together, we can inspire a future where every child has the opportunity to succeed both on and off the field. Here’s to working as one TEAM, because when it comes to building a better future, we’re all in this together. #YouthSports #UnitedWeStand #SignatureAthletics #BetterTogether #FutureLeaders #CommunityBuilding ---------- Signature Athletics, Inc [Holding Co.] ---------- Signature Locker | Signature Sports Camps | Signature Foundation

Honoring Excellence and Embracing Inclusion: Recognizing Negro League Records Alongside MLB Historic Records Let's celebrate the marking of a significant milestone in the journey toward genuine inclusion in the world of baseball. The official integration of Negro League records alongside Major League Baseball (MLB) records is not just a rectification of historical oversight; it is a celebration of excellence and an acknowledgment of the indomitable spirit of the athletes who played under the most challenging conditions. This inclusion is a powerful testament to the fact that celebrating all isn't exclusive but a sincere form of honest inclusion. By recognizing the achievements of Negro League players, we are not only honoring their extraordinary contributions to the sport but also reinforcing the continued importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in every sphere of life. In our journey toward a more equitable society, it is essential to remember that DEI is not merely a policy or a set of guidelines. It is a commitment to acknowledging and valuing the diverse experiences and talents that everyone brings to the table. Just as the Negro League players have enriched the legacy of baseball, so too does a diverse workforce enrich our organizations, drive innovation, and foster resilience. As we celebrate this momentous step in baseball history, let us also renew our commitment to DEI in our professional and personal lives. Let us continue to create spaces where every voice is heard, every talent is recognized, and every individual has the opportunity to excel. #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #NegroLeagues #MLB #HonoringExcellence #DEI #CelebrateAll #BaseballHistory #InclusionMatters

📚 Dive into the world of basketball with us. Did you know that grassroots basketball programs in the Caribbean are pivotal in cultivating young talent. By supporting these initiatives, we empower the next generation, giving them the tools to succeed on and off the court. Our commitment to environmentally conscious practices ensures that these programs are sustainable, benefiting the community without compromising the environment. Have you participated in or supported a local basketball program. Tell us your story. 🌿🏀#BasketballEducation #Sustainability Education and sustainable growth are at the heart of developing basketball in the Caribbean. Detailed insights into the region's basketball evolution reveal how we can make a lasting impact by incorporating eco-friendly practices. It's about more than winning games; it's about nurturing minds and fostering a love for the game. Let's work together to create a lasting legacy for future athletes. 🌟📈#EcoFriendly #LegacyBuilding.

Let's Celebrate Community, Mental Health, and the Beautiful Game Soccer has been a central part of my life—playing in the English Premier League, and working with the U.S. Women’s National Team during our gold-medal-winning quest at the 2012 London Olympics. It’s a sport that has shaped me, revealing my character and teaching me lessons about discipline, focus, camaraderie, strategy, teamwork, determination, and so much more. That’s why I’m thrilled to support and advise The Sensational League, which is bringing the power of play to cities across the country, starting with my hometown. It’s more than just a league—it’s a movement rooted in community and mental health, with soccer as the unifying force. At a time when life feels increasingly stressful, The Sensational League reminds us of the joy and connection that come from play. Over the years, I’ve heard some say that women shouldn’t compete, as if competition is somehow incompatible with collaboration or belonging. I couldn’t disagree more. Competition calls us to grow, to bring our best, and to inspire others to do the same. Today, we’re finally starting to see the recognition women’s sports deserve—not just for the incredible quality on the field but for the impact it makes off the field as well. The Sensational League is led by one of my favorite people, Majken Gilmartin, a visionary who we're also proud to call a member of Angel Club. If you’re passionate about creating vibrant communities through soccer—or if you’re simply curious about how you can bring this league to your city—I encourage you to reach out to Majken directly to explore partnership opportunities. Let’s keep building a world where connection, play, and inclusion thrive. Who do you want to win with? Let's win together.