First Kevin W. Fitzgerald Giving Back Award Presented at Annual Gala
(12-4-06) BOSTON, MASS. � Kevin W. Fitzgerald has devoted his life and career to help the children of Massachusetts. To honor his dedication, the Center for the Study of Sport in Society at Northeastern University created the Kevin W. Fitzgerald Giving Back Award. In the tradition of community service and giving back, the award, in its inaugural year, was presented, at the True Heroes of Sport Awards Gala on Monday, December 4 at the Tower at 33 Arch Street Boston, Mass., to three extraordinary youth who exemplify those values, Samantha Brown, Sharrice Perkins, and Fabio Pires.
Fitzgerald began his career as a youth worker in South Boston, Mass. In the midst of the racial unrest caused by school busing, he immediately went to work providing opportunities for the youth of South Boston. His work in South Boston kicked off a 27 year stint as a State Representative in Massachusetts. During his tenure, Fitzgerald founded the Children�s Caucus and the Health Start Program, which has evolved into the Children�s Security Plan. As a State Representative he was a consistent supporter of the Children�s Trusts, the Healthy Families Initiative, and early childhood education.
Committed to increasing opportunities for the children of Boston to be active and healthy, Fitzgerald helped create the Boston Youth Sports Congress and was co-founder of Sport in Society�s Urban Youth Sports program. With this award Sport in Society honors a man whose passion for helping children was truly ground breaking. This award celebrates his work and life�s passion by honoring those who give back to their community.
Samantha Brown
Samantha Brown is a graduate of the inaugural Center for the Study of Sport in Society�s Urban Youth Sports (UYS) Junior Coaches Academy 2006. For five years, she has coached double dutch at the White Stadium Sports Camp in Dorchester, the All Girls Sports Festival, and the Young Achievers School. Brown provides expertise in double dutch and the benefits of physical activity to youth working with the UYS Youth Sport Health Coordinator at the Bowdoin Street Health Center. For the fifth straight year, she has represented Sport in Society and Massachusetts at the Worlds Championship competition for double dutch. Brown is a junior at the Jeremiah E. Burke School in Dorchester, Mass.
Sharrice Perkins
For more then seven years Sharrice Perkins has demonstrated her stellar athletic ability competing in the Double Dutch League of Massachusetts. She has successfully qualified and helped her double dutch team place in numerous Worlds Championship competitions. In addition to competing, Perkins remains active in her community by coaching double dutch and dance through the Health Connection program at the Bowdoin Street Health Center. Perkins is also a 2006 graduate of Sport in Society�s Urban Youth Sports Junior Coaches Academy. She is a high school junior at the John D. O�Bryant High School in Roxbury, Mass.
Fabio Pires
Fabio Pires is a focused athlete, coach, and mentor for young people in Boston neighborhoods. He is a sophomore at the Quincy Upper School and a member of the South Boston High School Football team. As an active member of the community, he most recently organized, recruited for, and coached at the Ronan Park Festival Celebration for Peace in Dorchester. He has worked as a mentor for boys looking to build self-esteem. Pires coaches soccer, football, and basketball in his community. He is an accomplished graduate of Sport in Society�s Urban Youth Sports 2006 Junior Coaches Academy.
About the Center for the Study of Sport in Society
The Center for the Study of Sport in Society at Northeastern University is one of the world�s leading social justice organizations that use sport to create social change both nationally and internationally. The flagship organization located in the heart of Boston, Mass. was founded in 1984 by Dr. Richard Lapchick. Through research, education, and advocacy the center promotes physical activity, health, violence prevention, and diversity among young people and college and professional athletes. Sport in Society�s innovative programs are all staffed by former Olympic, college, or professional athletes and have been awarded America�s most successful violence prevention program by Lou Harris, the Peter F. Drucker Award as the most innovative non-profit program in the social sector, and most recently was recognized by the Boston Red Sox for its dedication and service to the community.
