History, Vision and Values
The Center for the Study of Sport in Society was founded in 1984 on the premise that sport is a reflection of society with all of its good points as well as its negative ones. In addition, we firmly believe that sport can lead the way to bring about positive changes within its own structures that could be a model for all of society. Our mission statement was created from these assumptions. All of our programs have relied on them to achieve success.
We started with the intent to reform college and high school sport, and we have had an enormous impact in those areas. However, as the crises facing our young people, in particular, and society, in general, began to escalate, we changed our focus to deliver programs to young people to give them the skills to successfully navigate through the dangerous currents in their lives. Thus, we played a pioneering role in creating a succession of powerful programs that used athletes and the platform of sport to convey the content of our programs.
Project TEAMWORK provides critical training that teaches the value of diversity and conflict resolution. Our Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) program works to reduce men's violence against women. The Urban Youth Sports Program enables a growing number of young people in Boston to participate in organized athletic programs while gaining important life skills. Athletes in Service to America helps students promote racial harmony, reduce violence and achieve academic success.
Sport in Society is all about sport, education and social conscience. As we look to the future, we always need to align our thinking, our actions and results around those three critical themes.
The current emphasis of our programs is changing the lives of young people, of giving hope where none seems to exist. As Sport in Society continues and expands our work with young people, we need to balance the opportunities we provide them to develop, sustain and grow:
1. Leadership skills that make them proactive in making this a better world.
2. A sense of security within themselves.
3. Healthy minds and bodies through sports competition and lifestyle.
4. An encompassing prescription for living that respects all cultures and lifestyles, embraces differences, and reinforces the value of a truly diverse society.
As Sport in Society empowers young people in the community, they will become the living testimonials for the effectiveness of our programs.
— Richard E. Lapchick
Sport in Society Founder/Director Emritus
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