Youth Learn Olympic Ideals at GSD Playmakers Program -- ATRadio

(ATR) The Foundation for Global Sports Development's annual Playmakers Program for youths is a "must have" for the Olympic Movement.

"They learn the values of Olympism – friendship, respect and excellence – and they also learn the value of Paralympic sport – determination, inspiration, courage and equality – and the activities really set them on an amazing track to be successful in life," Foundation vice president of communications Brooke Lusk tellsAround the Ringson the latest edition of ATRadio.

The Playmakers Program concluded last week in Colorado Springs at the U.S. Olympic Committee's state-of-the-art training center. GSD welcomed children from Oregon for the four-day program that introduces youth to the challenges many athletes face while preparing for the Olympics or Paralympics.

"The goal is we want to empower youth to take an active role in creating their future," Lusk says. "We don’t just tell them about goal setting, or obstacles or leadership; we put them in situations where they really have to experience that and they have to learn it.

"Between hearing about the Olympic and Paralympic athletes’ challenges – either not making a team one year, overcoming homelessness or overcoming a disability – to go on and succeed, that’s really impactful for the youth."

ATR was on the scene for the program’s second annual visit to the USOC Training Center. Prior to relocating to Colorado Springs, the program was held once every four years during the Olympics.

While the Playmakers Program does not yet have a confirmed location for 2018, a return to the Olympic Training Center for a third year will likely be on the table.

Click here for photos from the 2017 edition and listen below for the full interview with Lusk.

Written by Kevin Nutley

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