The COVID-19 pandemic has made physical activity for youth more important than ever—and a West Virginia University organization’s focus on providing opportunity, motivation and access for every child to play sports has been identified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Sciences at WVU, one of the first organizations to join the National Youth Sports Strategy Champion program, is part of a growing network to foster a lifelong love of sports and physical activity for youth.
As an NYSS Champion, the Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Sciences has demonstrated their support of youth sports and commitment to the NYSS vision. The Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Sciences will be acknowledged along with other NYSS Champions on health.gov, partnering with The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to improve the youth sports landscape in America.
“The work of those involved with the Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Sciences, in the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, has been tirelessly directed at the goal of improving access to and the experiences associated with youth sport in America,” Jack Watson, CPASS dean, said. “This center has embraced the land grant mission of WVU and is working to improve the lives of those in the state of West Virginia and the United States. This recognition is a wonderful testament to their hard work and dedication, as well as the importance of their mission.”
Kristen Dieffenbach, director, Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Sciences, noted the importance of coaches with athletes’ love of sports.
“Coaches are at the core of quality sport experiences for athletes at all ages and stages of the game,” she said. “The Center is proud to continue our work supporting coaches and quality coach education as an NYSS Champion.”
“We know children who obtain regular physical activity gain important physical and mental health benefits, which are more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Brett Giroir, assistant secretary for health at HHS, explained. “I’m thrilled to acknowledge the work of the NYSS Champions who are furthering the mission of the NYSS and helping to foster a lifelong love of sports and physical activity for our Nation’s youth.”
About the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition is a Federal Advisory Committee run by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and plays a vital role in keeping the Nation healthy. PCSFN and ODPHP accomplish this by setting national health goals and objectives and supporting programs, services, and education activities that improve the health of all Americans. PCSFN and ODPHP are part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To learn more about ODPHP visit health.gov.