Sports Stars and Genesis Character Development Program Come Together
NFL Stars Ray Lewis, Tim Brown and Everson Walls Partner with Genesis Worldwide Sports Management Group to Build Character in Students
The Genesis Character Curriculum teaches students how to develop the positive character traits that will enable them to become future leaders of America.
Dallas, Texas (MMD Newswire) July 16, 2012 -- Future Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, Heisman Trophy winner and Future Hall of Famer Tim Brown and Super Bowl Champion and perennial Pro Bowler Everson Walls are partnering with Genesis Worldwide Sports Management Group (GWSM) in Dallas to offer a first-of-its kind character development program for youth.
The GWSM Character Development Program was created to help youths struggling with serious issues such as eating disorders, drug and alcohol addictions, bullying, gambling, peer pressure and violent behavior. The program helps students address and overcome these challenges by teaching them self-value and foundational character traits.
"We are thrilled with our partnership with NFL greats Ray Lewis, Tim Brown and Everson Walls. Students need role models with integrity and character who will encourage them to reach their goals," explains Michael Davis, president of GWSM. "Ray, Tim and Everson will be instrumental in engaging our students and being positive role models to them."
This program enhances current History/Social Studies curriculum with tangible examples of how positive character traits helped develop our country, impact historical events and influenced America's professional athletes. The GWSM Character Development Program also highlights the negative impacts on an athlete's life when he or she does not apply these character traits.
Students of all ages will have the opportunity to learn about positive character traits through the lens of their History/Social Studies textbooks, character development workbooks, online activities, a professional athlete's testimony, and their own experiences. Each student will use critical thinking skills to engage in creative writing about his or her own life as it relates to featured character traits in a personalized "student diary." The character development workbook and online activities add something familiar (the professional athlete's perspective) and personal (the student's story) to basic history lessons.
"We are focused on building the character traits which will help our students be successful leaders," explains Ray Lewis. "We want our kids to understand that they are more than what society says they can be. They define their own success. We must teach them how to embrace their own value so they can truly shine."
Data and anecdotal evidence support the urgent need for the GWSM Character Development Program. According to the Ad Council, approximately 7,000 high school students drop out every school day, which translates to one in three students. This fact correlates to the increase number of inmates incarcerated in juvenile detention or prisons each year. According to a new study published by wsws.org, a staggering one in ten American male high school dropouts, age 16 to 24, is either in prison or juvenile detention.
"There is a great need for this character program in local public schools such as Winfree Academy (Dallas, TX)," said Tim Brown, GWSM Partner. "There is a huge disparity with the number of African-Americans and Hispanics that are currently in prison compared to the general population of African-Americans and Hispanics that live in this country. We must reverse this disturbing trend by teaching young people the importance of character and leadership."
"No matter what you do for a living, positive character traits exist in successful people" said Everson Walls, GWSM Partner.
"Our goal is to infuse positive character traits and leadership skills in all children across the country, no matter race, religion or financial status," explains Michael Davis, president of GWSM. "Many other like athletes and celebrities will come on board in the near future to help encourage our children."
The GWSM Character Development Program is open to all public high schools, traditional and charter schools. Depending on the particular need of a school, the program can be very specifically customized.
Visit the company's website to learn more: www.gwsm-sports.com
About Genesis WW Sports Management (GWSM):
Genesis Worldwide Sports Management (GWSM) is a sports management group known for providing best-in-class financial planning, accounting, marketing, legal and post career development services to professional athletes. These services are also provided to schools, businesses and individuals which are non-athletes. GWSM has a vested interest in the community and youth; therefore, we have established a character development program to be used in elementary, middle and high school classrooms.
###