ABOUT THE PLAY IT FORWARD CAMPAIGN: 
The Play it Forward campaign is a collaboration of Up2Us and YouthNoise that seeks to promote the importance of youth sports and to recognize the role of coaches in shaping young people’s futures. 

Play it Forward centers around the Coach Appreciation Week Resolution, which was introduced with the help of Rep. McIntyre, N.C. and will go to a House of Representatives vote on September 14. Coach Appreciation Week is intended to spark a national dialogue about the importance of sports as a vehicle for youth development and to inspire volunteerism around youth sports. The Play it Forward campaign will highlight the stories of coaches from around the country who have made a difference in the lives of their players, both on and off the field. Three winning coaches will win a trip to Washington, D.C. and be honored with the National Coach Appreciation Week “Coach of the Year Award at the Up2Us National Conference. 

HOW THE CONTEST WORKS: 
To enter the Play it Forward contest, participants will go to the YouthNoise Web site and submit a story about the coaches who have had a positive influence in their lives. YouthNoise members will then vote for the most powerful entries to select the top 10 finalists, and a panel of judges will select the winning three entries. Winning coaches will travel to Washington, D.C. in October to receive their awards, and winning nominators will win $250 Eurosport gift certificates. Behind every great athlete is a great coach. Participate in Play it Forward and say “thank you!” 

ABOUT Up2Us & YouthNoise Play City: 
Up2Us is a national coalition of over 250 organizations dedicated to increasing the impact of youth sports as a tool for positive youth development and to increasing access to quality sports-based youth development programs, especially for disadvantaged youth. 

YouthNoise and Nike have come together to create Play City, the ultimate realization of the power of sports to create social change. Here in Play City, "be a good sport" takes on a whole new meaning. Sports have the potential to energize individuals, revitalize communities and catalyze change. Play City is not about securing titles, cementing legacies or entertaining a prime-time audience. It's about changing lives, creating opportunities and inspiring others to take action. 

CONTACT:
Cal Zarin for Up2Us (212-359-9510 x305; czarin@americascores.org) 
Angela Bush for YouthNoise ‘Play City’ (415-728-6321, angie@youthnoise.org)