NEW ORLEANS–Laureus Academy members Edwin Moses, Marcus Allen, Robby Naish and Monica Seles will kick-off Laureus USA/Mercedes-Benz USA’s Initiative to launch Up2Us’ Coach Across America Program in New Orleans Nov. 5.
The nationwide collaboration supports after-school sports programs.
The New Orleans program places 26 coaches in 11 local programs, henefitting 3,250 area children.
When: Monday, Nov. 5, 2012, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Where: Samuel J. Green School
2319 Valence St.
New Orleans
Who: Laureus World Sports Academy Members Dr. Edwin Moses, a two-time Olympic champion and chairman of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA, Marcus Allen, a Pro Football Hall of Fame running back, Robby Naish, widely acknowledged as the greatest windsurfer of all time, and Monica Seles, former World No. 1 professional tennis player and member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, will kick-off a collaboration between the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA (Laureus USA) and Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) to launch Up2Us’ Coach Across America (CAA) program in New Orleans.
What: The New Orleans initiative places and trains 26 Laureus/MBUSA sponsored Coach Across America (CAA) coaches in 11 after-school sports programs, benefiting 3,250 underserved youth in 30 communities in New Orleans. These include: Gentilly, Marrero, Gretna, Algiers, New Orleans East and Broadmoor.
Moses, Allen, Naish and Seles, along with CAA coaches, will participate with children in a series of sports activities.
With a $1.3 million national commitment from MBUSA to Laureus USA, the program focuses on training and placing 250 CAA coaches in sports-based youth development projects in underserved neighborhoods in five U.S. cities: Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Miami and New Orleans.
New Orleans, a new market for Coach Across America, is the final stop for the collaboration in 2012.
Why: On September 19, a 15-year-old was killed as he was part of a triple shooting in the Central City neighborhood. An 18-year-old was also among the victims in the shooting.
Public-private partnerships like Laureus USA and MBUSA remain key to sustaining vital after-school opportunities and helping bridge the gap and encourage more youth to be physically active and not turn to violence.
Community-based coaches can play a crucial role in developing character and keeping students engaged in constructive physical activities instead ofturning to the streets. A recent GAO report confirmed that despite the important role of coaches, quality coaches are in short supply.1 Proper coaching increases thechance of better grades, better behavior, healthier lives and longer life due to fitness activity. Laureus USA has selected the groundbreaking Coach Across America program as its partner to ensure kids and communities in underserved areas have access to the most highly trained coaches in the country.
About Laureus USA
Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA (www.laureususa.com) is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity in the United States. It is part of the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation global network, which includes theglobal Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, the Laureus World Sports Academy, and the Laureus World Sports Awards. Collectively, the Laureus global network harnesses the power of sport to promote social change and celebrate sporting excellence. Laureus champions the universal power of sport to bring people together as a force for good, pursuit of excellence, overcoming challenges,celebrating achievement, and winning against the odds.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.
MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans and smart in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com.