CHAMP MISSION
To act as a catalyst to help coaches deliver a character focused athletic experience and reinforce a positive character foundation in our student-athletes which will serve them not only now but as they become productive adults, parents, coaches, and leaders in our community.

At the heart of CHAMP is a delivery model that helps to achieve this mission by:

- Promoting AWARENESS of the role and need for character training in youth athletics

- Providing RESOURCES to the coaches and team community to enable them to effectively bring character training and development to their teams

- RECOGNITION of character excellence of coaches, teams and organizations to make character a priority while competing in athletics

CHAMP COMMISSION HISTORY

In March 2006, a Blue Ribbon Task Force of community leaders was formed to review the state of youth athletics in Fort Collins and to make recommendations about how to bring a focus of character in youth athletics.  The Founding organizations included Colorado State University, Poudre School District, Healthier Communities Coalition, Character Fort Collins and the City of Fort Collins.  In April, 2006, the Task Force presented its findings and recommendations at the Healthier Communities Coalition Family and Youth Summit.  One of its recommendations was the formation of a Commission to develop and implement the CHAMP program.
 
Since June 2006, the CHAMP Commission has actively developed the program, including pilots with the Poudre School District, City of Fort Collins Recreation Department and Fort Collins Baseball Club.  The CHAMP Commission is comprised of community volunteers representing the five founding organizations, retired and active coaches, parents of youth athletes and other passionate community volunteers.  The Commission members have a love of character, sports, and young people. The CHAMP Commission believes the work of the volunteers and program supporting CHAMP can have a significant positive impact on the 14,000 young people actively participating in organized sports in Fort Collins and consequently our community at large.

In January 2008, CHAMP held its first annual community and fund-raising breakfast at the City of Fort Collins Lincoln Center.  Keli McGregor, President of the Colorado Rockies and Sonny Lubick, legendary former CSU football coach and a recognized “coach of character” were featured to help launch CHAMP to the community.    The annual Sonny Lubick Coach of Character Award was initiated and given to Sonny.  $40,000 was raised to help launch CHAMP to the community.