About Champions of Character
Champions of Character is a program of the NAIA designed to promote character development in youth and change the culture of sport.
The NAIA developed the Champions of Character program in response to the growing problem of deteriorating standards of integrity in sports and society. At a time when all of sport has experienced increasingly abhorrent behavior by athletes, coaches, fans and parents, NAIA Champions of Character raises the standards for positive youth development in athletics and academics.
Learning character values from sport
The NAIA has been informally teaching character development through athletics for decades. Now our core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship are addressed comprehensively in the Champions of Character program.
The NAIA sees a tremendous need to supplement character development in younger students from the elementary through high school level. Lessons on character and integrity through sports are a natural extension of classroom learning.
"Sports can provide a venue for social adjustment, character building, a sense of belonging, usefulness, psychological well-being, and ultimately a springboard to the highest values of citizenship."
-American Sports Data
With nearly 300 colleges and universities around the U.S. and Canada, the NAIA can bring Champions of Character into communities throughout North America. The program shares practical tools for student-athletes, coaches and parents to use in modeling exemplary character traits. The NAIA also provides character training and resources through campus-based Program Centers for teams of all sorts - from youth sports programs to high school yearbook staffs, as well as business and community groups.
An innovator in youth development
Since its inception in 1937, the NAIA has long been an innovator in youth sports and academics. The NAIA has a history of leadership and innovation with initiatives such as racial and gender integration, and a proven ability to affect positive outcomes in educational settings. Today, the Champions of Character program's emphasis on character development is educating youth to make better choices throughout their lives.
For decades, the NAIA has upheld the highest standards of academic achievement along with athletic excellence. In competitions among member colleges and universities, the NAIA maintains the expectation of ethical behavior and commitment to scholarship, sportsmanship and leadership.
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