At-Risk Youth Get Life Lessons--and Trip to 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games

EUGENE, Ore. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - In February, the world will descend upon British Columbia for a scenic and spectacular Winter Olympics. But with the lavish ceremonies and celebrations, it might be easy to forget what the 2010 Vancouver Olympics are really all about.

Fortunately, 50 disadvantaged youth from the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF) will be there to help us all rediscover the Olympics' true DNA: dreams, character and living up to your potential.

The children are part of a mentorship program sponsored by The Foundation for Global Sports Development (GSD). The trip is designed to promote sportsmanship, fair play and ethics among these children who would otherwise never have access to the games.

"These kids may have few advantages," says Steven Ungerleider, Ph.D., who serves on GSD's Executive Board. "But they also have tons of potential. The BGCSF plays a powerful role in developing kids' character and skills through sport. So it was a great fit for GSD and a natural place to look for mentorship opportunities."

During their trip the kids will attend competitions, meet athletes and celebrities, access exclusive events and even take in some of the sights around Vancouver. Partners including Gap Inc., K2 Sports and Jet Set Sports have made generous donations of clothing, equipment, tickets and transportation to make sure these kids get the most from their trip.

The students were selected on the basis of academic, leadership and personal achievement criteria.

About the Foundation for Global Sports Development

The Foundation for Global Sports Development is a 501(c)3 organization that develops and provides support for programs that promote sportsmanship, education, fair play and ethics among the world's youth. This is based on our understanding that today's young athletes will be tomorrow's playmakers and our belief that the combination of sports and education prepares young men and women to make a higher contribution as successful, responsible global citizens. For more information, visit www.globalsportsdevelopment.org.

About CESEP

CESEP is a strategic alliance between Foundation for Global Sports Development, United Nations/UNESCO, Sport Information Research Center (SIRC) and other drug-free sports agencies that enlists students and teachers in the fight against the use of performance enhancing drugs and illegal substances that destroy the essence of ethical play. For more information, visit www.cultureandsport.com.

Foundation for Global Sports Development
Dr. Steven Ungerleider, 541-501-7030
steven.ungerleider@globalsportsdevelopment.org