An Interview With Our Executive Board
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Robert Golden President |
Why are youth sports organizations important? There is an estimated 41 Million American kids playing competitive youth sports. The number of children involved in youth sports has risen significantly over the last 10 to 20 years, according to Dr. Steve Carney, a professor of sport management at Drexel University in Philadelphia. If we get this WRONG, the impact is long-term and far-reaching! If we get it RIGHT, the impact is long-term and far-reaching... What is your fondest GSA memory? We were ignored, told no and blocked from play. We battled budget, our own learning curve, significant backlash, and a doubting spirit by those who could not see the vision. All of these events and more were overshadowed on the night of our first pep rally. With the gym filled to capacity, the DJ hyped the crowd with the latest tracks, parents and friends adorned in Gladiator Green are screaming and beaming with pride, and with our cheerleaders front and center, our players (wearing the freshest uniforms out) hit the floor 100 strong get introduced at their very first pep rally. This was a moment I will take with me forever... |
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Dwan Anderson Vice-President |
Why are youth sports organization important? Youth sports organizations are essential in today's culture. In our communities they are the first line of defense against the negative woes our kids encounter daily. Within a positively structured atmosphere, such as sports, our kids learn true survival skills. At a young age they learn time management, responsibility, teamwork, self discipline, self control, and so many other skills that help to build a solid foundation for victory in life. Why do you volunteer your time to GSA? GSA is a vision that was received as a true blessing to this community. After a merger of hard work, understanding, and sacrifice of a small group of select people the vision was clear and the blueprint was in front of us. Once the blueprint was complete and our board was set it was time to serve. Only God could have connected a group of people to work this well together. As a servant to my community I have received my orders and I will not rest until they are complete! What is your fondest GSA moment? Our first official pep rally!!! To see the response of the GSA family and all the kids in uniform for the first time with fanfare was truly one time in my life where time stood still. Robert and myself must have had the same feeling at the same time. Just as I tried to walk towards the back of the gym full of emotions I see my brother to the left of me just as full as I was. That night we shared a tear of validation together. After all that we had gone through at that one particular second, at that one particular place, in that one particular atmosphere it was all validated. No matter how hard we have to work for our kids to receive the best opportunity to be successful we will get it done! |
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Jeanine Prayor Secretary |
Why are youth sports organizations important? Youth sports teach our children fundamental skills such as teamwork, compassion (for the game, field, and teammates/coaches) and other values such as integrity. All of which can be applied in any setting , especially at home and in the classroom. Why do you volunteer your time to GSA? I believe in the vision of what GSA stands for. As a board member I know that it takes a certain number and type of person to help run a successful program and therefore I give my all and encourage others to give their time to make sure that this org stays true to it's vision and goal which is to be the next generation-parent influenced organization. What is your fondest GSA memory? My fondest GSA memory is seeing a packed gymnasium for our very 1st pep rally. Just to know that we could barely fill the seats in the beginning at the information sessions to seeing all of the kids and parents in the stands bleeding Gladiator green filled my heart in so many ways. You could tell the love and support by the number of people that showed up and had a great time. That was the first type of pep rally a lot of those kids had the chance to be apart of at such a young age and I'm glad we were able to pull it off. |
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Royce Golden Business Director |
Why are youth sports organizations important? I wanted my family to be involved in sports and with organizations that look to build families and leave legacies within the community. It’s important to speak of your community in a way that urges people to want to be a part of mentoring children and creating relationships that last long after sports. Why do you volunteer your time to GSA? I’m an avid Denver Broncos fan and a football junkie! More importantly, I have a passion for kids, families and doing something good for others. I want to volunteer in a community where I have a personal attachment to the area and want to make it a better place. What is your fondest GSA memory? My fondest memory is the first year excitement and being a part of something that impacted so many people. My greatest joy has been personally knowing the names of each player and parents in every single age group. I’ve developed some wonderful relationships that have lasted beyond the season. |
