The LEGO Children's Fund provides grants for collaborative programs, either in part or in total, to organizations that focus on early childhood education and development; technology and communication projects that advance learning opportunities; or sport or athletic programs that concentrate on underserved youth. Maximum award: $5,000. Eligibility: 501(c)3 organizations.

Deadline: January 15, 2011.

http://www.legochildrensfund.org/Guidelines.…

I had the opportunity to hear John Wooden talk at a coaching clinic in the early 70's. At that time I coached High School Girls Basketball. Even today, I can quote many of his saying related to basketball regarding teamwork, dedication, and sacrifice. But the the one poem that has tuck with my for over 40 years ago is the one written below that I read in his book, They Call Me Coach.

I CARRY A CROSS IN MY POCKET
A SIMPLE REMINDER TO ME
OF …

Despite a history of splendid multi-sport athletes, youth sports has seen a rapid increase in its athletes specializing in one sport. Sports specialization is beginning at younger and younger ages.

While sports specialization may seem like a good idea on the surface, there are several risks and reasons to opt for a well-rounded athlete.

More from Youth Fitness Magazine

Play enthusiasts check out the Children's Play Information Service(CPIS).

(CPIS) is a specialist information resource providing information on all aspects of children’s play, focusing on school-age children. CPIS is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Big Lottery Fund through Play England.

Jan, one of the Peaceful Playgrounds Grant Writers found this heart warming video about good sportsmanship.

A true story well-worth watching and passing along.....................
http://www.responsibilityproject.com/films/player/the-home-run/

Ck out more "responsibility" films from Liberty Mutual.

The LEGO Children’s Fund will provide quarterly grants for programs, either in part or in total, with a special interest paid to collaborative efforts and in providing matching funds to leverage new dollars into the receiving organization. We will give priority consideration to programs that both meet our goals and are supported in volunteer time and effort by our employees.

The Foundation awards grants to qualified tax-exempt organizations (as d…

The Positive Coaching Alliance, a non-profit organization from California is spreading the word that playing should be "fun". In fact, at a weekly gathering recently in Virginia "coaches put down their whistles, parents rested their vocal cords and children played not for points, not for victory -- but purely for fun," according to a Washington Post article entitled, "Its not whether your kid wins or loses."

The Posi…

As a highly-qualified physical education teacher, I pledge to:

* Establish a positive, safe learning environment for all students;
* Teach a variety of physical activities that make physical education class fun and enjoyable;
* Create maximum opportunities for students of all abilities to be successful;
* Promote student honesty, integrity, and good sportsmanship;
* Guide students into becoming skillful and confident movers;
* …

The Children's Memorial Institute for Sports Medicine is offering a Knee Injury Prevention Program (KIPP™). KIPP is a neuromuscular training program designed to reduce the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among female adolescent athletes.

Each year in the United States over 20,000 high school girls suffer a serious sports-related knee injury. In fact, girls are up to six times more likely to injure their anterior cruciate lig…

Arne Duncan, the new Secretary of Education appointed by Obama earlier this week, can be expected to "think of new, innovative ways to make the schools better."

Duncan cites sports as being an "extraordinary teaching ground" for life's lessons where you learn important values like: hard work, unselfishness, teamwork, sacrifice, accomplishing personal goals and how to judge character. He was a professional basketball play…