Areas top school districts embrace Champions of Character

By Staci Schottman, NAIA

Posted 10.24.06

Top Kansas City metropolitan area school districts are currently using the Champions of Character program that is sponsored by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Schools and athletic programs are using the character initiative year round hosting parent, student-athlete and coach seminars to assist in programs staying on course with the following core values: respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship.

The following school districts use or are scheduled to use Champions of Character training models and were recently recognized by the Kansas City Business Journal in a list of top 25 area school districts: Olathe District Schools, Kansas City, Mo., School District, Blue Valley USD 229, Kansas City, Kan., Public Schools, North Kansas City School District, Independence School District, De Soto Shawnee Lenexa Olathe USD 232, Turner School District and Platte County R-3.

“Our recent football game between De Soto High School and Anderson County High School was played out with so much positive sportsmanship on and off the field that the referee sent a letter of congratulations to both districts and the KSHSAA Director,” said Sharon Zoellner who is the Superintendent of the De Soto School District. “I believe this is attributable to our focus on Champions of Character. Thanks for all you do to help this program be successful in or schools.”

The Champions of Character program is a vehicle for character development and focused on building great teams. Program participants are from all types of teams that include band, athletic, debate, student council and family. The program promotes positive character values and provides practical tools for participants to use in modeling exemplary character traits. Although innate to its mission, the importance of Champions of Character lies not only in its emphasis on values and character but also in the extent of its reach by making an impact today, helping youth reach their full potential and live with values of character.

“There is no greater accomplishment then helping a child grow to possess the attributes that Champions of Character focuses it efforts on: respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship,” said Dr. Tom Trigg who is the Superintendent of Blue Valley Schools. “These attributes are equally important when used on the court or field, in the classroom, at home or in the community.

Kansas City is home to the national center for Champions of Character outreach activities. Since 2000, the reach has extended to schools, athletic leagues, associations and youth organizations throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area and beyond. Thousands of coaches, administrators, parents and students have trained or heard the Champions of Character message from presenters affiliated with the program.

In a time when the world of sports at the professional and amateur level is scrutinized for poor actions displayed by coaches, parents or participants the need for this program is reinforced. With commitments from the areas top districts it shows the level of interest in building competitive teams built on a solid foundation laid out by the Champions of Character program. To learn more about Champions of Character contact Kathy Busch at kbusch@naia.org or call 913-791-0044 ext. 102.

Champions of Character emphasizes five key core values:

Respect: Taking correction as a compliment, giving 100 percent, 100 percent of the time and listening with your ears and eyes.

Responsibility: Focusing attention and effort, recovering quickly from mistakes and staying positive no matter what.

Integrity: Your “yes” means yes and your “no” means no.

Servant Leadership: Putting your team first in every decision.

Sportsmanship: Reacting correctly even when others do not. 

NAIA

A leader in the development of student-athletes, the NAIA is committed to changing the culture of sport through Champions of Character. Founded in 1937, the NAIA continues to be a pioneer in implementing exceptional standards for academics, diversity and character. Today, the NAIA sponsors 23 collegiate championships in 13 sports for its nearly 300 member institutions throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more about the NAIA visit www.naia.org.

Buffalo Funds

Buffalo Funds is the Official Sponsor of the Champions of Character program. Buffalo Funds assists in the Champions of Character program growth and is the title sponsor of the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship. To learn more about Buffalo Funds visit www.buffalofunds.com.