The NFL's helping hand: thanks to NFL Charities, thousands benefits through a variety of community outreach programs

The NFL is much more than punting, passing, kicking and touchdowns; it's also about helping the community. Over the years, the League has gained the reputation as a model organization in the sports world for decades of giving back--and giving back in a big way.

Since its inception in 1973, NFL Charities has given more than $78 million to more than 250 organizations. Further, in the host city of each Super Bowl, the NFL tries to leave a lasting legacy. In Detroit, the NFL partnered with 35 leading organizations to host Super Bowl XL multicultural programs, focusing on youth, business, health, leadership and cultural events and activities.

The NFL also focuses on the education, advancement and leadership of both racial and gender minorities in the host city. The organization's continuing efforts are evidenced by the following projects:

NFL Youth Education Town (YET)--In Detroit, the YET will be one in a series of YETs around the country, which enhance daily educational and recreational opportunities for area underserved youth. Through a partnership between the NFL, Detroit Lions, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan and the City of Detroit, the new facility on the far west side of Detroit will be a state-of-the-art building with various services and support systems for neighborhood youths and their families. It will consist of a gym and locker rooms, game room, teen center, technology center and multimedia studio, learning center, arts and crafts center, community room and numerous other areas for youth programs.

Super Bowl Healthy Family Challenge--One of the NFL's primary community focuses has been to implement programs that promote the importance of living healthier lives by offering much-needed health screenings and wellness information to underserved families. In activities leading up to the Super Bowl in Detroit, the NFL and its health partners hosted 40 consecutive days of health screenings, education programs and fitness activities to combat obesity in the African-American community.

"One World, One Detroit"--With the help of community partners, including the Arab American and Chaldean Council, 120 students will participate in museum field trips that will better acquaint them with African-American, Arab and Hispanic cultures. The half-day trips are designed to reinforce messages learned through the NFL/Scholastic "One World: Connecting Communities, Cultures and Classrooms" program.

"One World, One Detroit" is the culminating event where 240 students will be challenged to express their new cultural awareness through dance, art and debate. In addition, workshops will be targeted to display ethnic differences, to explore sensitivity and allow students to role play creative solutions that relate to bias, bullying and cultural tolerance.

Super Bowl Diversity Business Forum--The event--organized by the NFL, the U.S. Small Business Administration and Detroit's leading minority business leadership groups--brings together corporate leaders, business executives, entrepreneurs, and small minority and women business owners to discuss leadership, successful business strategies and realities of a diverse workplace in America.

"Rock My Sour"--In a celebration of the art, dance and music of African-Americans throughout history, the NFL partners with the Arts League of Michigan and Mosaic Youth Theatre to host a performance of song and dance to celebrate the African-American experience and its cultural traditions.

"Nations In Rhythm Detroit"--The Chaldean American Ladies of Charity and the NFL present a celebration of Detroit's rich cultural diversity and artistic tradition. It's a multicultural performance that features visual arts, dance and song to a world beat.

The Super Bowl Gospel Celebration--The event, in its seventh year and a part of the NFL concert series, evolved after Christian NFL players indicated a need for an inspirational, family-oriented event during Super Bowl weekend.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Johnson Publishing Co.
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