With the interest and help of business and civic leaders Champions of Character will become a bigger part of Kansas City's landscape

Champions of Character event was an important step to engage community members in the program and bring awareness to the work that is currently happening across the area

By Staci Schottman, NAIA

Posted 10.20.06

Kansas City business and civic leaders gathered on October 11, 2006, focused on one topic, Champions of Character. Approximately 100 people from the community met to learn more about the character initiative steered by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Mayor Kay Barnes, NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr, Superintendent of Blue Valley Schools Dr. Tom Trigg, Kornitzer Capital Management President John Kornitzer and Champions of Character Special Presenter Bruce Brown led the presentation. Each presenter touched on opportunities to use Champions of Character training to impact the lives of kids through  community initiatives, school activities, athletics and business.  

Champions of Chracter Advisory Board Members invited the business and civic leaders in attendance. Members of the Advisory Boards include: Walter E. Bixby (Old American Insurance), J. Grant Burcham (Missouri Bank & Trust Company), Michael R. Haverty (Kansas City Southern), Mark R. Jorgenson (U.S. Bank), John Kornitzer (Kornitzer Capital Management), Leo E. Morton (Aquila Inc.), John F. Murphy (Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP), William C. Nelson (George K. Baum & Co.), David F. Oliver (Berkowitz Oliver Williams Shaw & Eisenbrandt LLP), Robert D. Regnier (Bank of Blue Valley), Anne D. St. Peter (Fleishman-Hillard) and James A. Sangster (UMB Bank).

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

Along with Dr. Trigg’s presentation, guests heard from Bruce Brown one of two national presenters of the program. Brown, who travels the country inspiring various audiences coast to coast, gave the keynote presentation. Having coached at all levels of play many people refer to Brown as “coach”. He knows how to use the Champions of Character program, its message and training to impact kids lives now and in the future. The Champions of Character program intentionally teaches character values that can be used in the classroom, on a

court or field, at home and in business. This program develops people of character that will not only learn how to compete and experience life lessons early on but also into their professional careers.

Champions of Character staff members are building upon past success and working to create a buzz around the Champions of Character program and implement ways the metropolitan community can get involved in the initiative. In 2005 alone, over 155,000 individuals used the Champions of Character program across the country, many of which live right here in the Kansas City area.

The following local organizations are directly involved with the Champions of Character program: Blue Valley School District, Kansas City Missouri School District, Independence School District, Olathe School District, Great American Basketball League, Barstow School, Turner School District, YMCA, Harrisonville High School, St. Pius X High School, North Kansas City School District, WIN for KC, Olathe Parks & Recreation, Kansas City Star in Education, Lawrence Freestate High School, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City, DeSoto School District, North Suburban Youth Football League and Challenger Sports.

October’s event was an important step to engage community members in the Champions of Character program and bring awareness to the work that is currently happening across the area. With the interest and help of business and civic leaders, Champions of Character will become a bigger part of Kansas City’s landscape. Efforts are currently

taking place to heighten the impact and reach of the program and make a difference in the lives of kids.

To be a part of the game plan for character development through Champions of Character contact the NAIA at 913-791-0044.

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.    

Photos courtesy of the NAIA

First photo: NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr and Mayor Kay Barnes

Second photo: Kornitzer Capital Management President and Champions of Character Advisory Board Member John Kornitzer

Third photo: NAIA Special Presenter Bruce Brown

Fourth photo: NAIA Vice President for Membership John Leavens with Champions of Character Advisory Board Members James A. Sangster and Leo E. Morton