NFL PLAYERS Gala Featuring the JB Awards
Since 2004, the NFLPA and NFL PLAYERS have partnered with James Brown of CBS Sports’ “THE NFL TODAY” to recognize NFL players who exemplify leadership, dedication and commitment to team and community. The net proceeds of the Gala benefit Special Olympics D.C., the sole provider of year-round sports training opportunities for 2,500 children and adults with developmental disabilities in the District of Columbia. In January 1995, all city-funding for Special Olympics D.C. was permanently eliminated and the NFL PLAYERS Gala helps to raise the money Special Olympics D.C. so desperately needs to remain in existence. In conjunction with the Gala, a Special Olympics Football Clinic is conducted the morning of the Gala. Click here to learn more about the NFL PLAYERS Gala Featuring the JB Awards.
Native Vision
The Native Vision Program is headed up by the NFLPA Regional Directors Department. The hallmark of the Native Vision Program, the Annual Sports & Life Skills Camp, is funded almost entirely by a fundraising event that the NFLPA hosts each year, the “Evening with the Stars” Gala. Since its inception, the NFLPA and Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health have raised over $3 million dollars through grant and gala fundraising efforts. Native Vision’s Annual Sports and Life Skills Camp, the beneficiary of the Gala, rotates each June to a different American Indian reservation. The camp invites Native youth from across the country to join professional athletes who conduct sports clinics interspersed with break-out sessions promoting self-esteem, discipline, teamwork and the pursuit of education. Campers have the choice to take part in either football, soccer, volleyball, track, basketball or lacrosse clinics during the event. Click here to learn more about Native Vision.
Training Camp for Life
Training Camp for Life (TCFL ) is a character and life skills development program designed to provide resources to assist students dealing with the challenges ahead. Building a strong sense of self has become increasingly necessary as our nation’s students face more diverse and difficult challenges than previous generations. The NFL Players Association and Learn It Cares, the non-profit affiliate of Learn It Systems, teamed up to visit middle school students in at-risk areas across the country because it is critical these students learn valuable life lessons and have access to resources to help make informed choices in their day-to-day lives. Click here to visit the Training Camp for Life website.
Football & Fitness Clinics
Throughout the year, youth football and fitness clinics benefitting hundreds of kids are conducted in conjunction with several NFLPA events such as the NFL PLAYERS Gala Featuring the JB Awards, the NFL PLAYERS Rookie Premiere, the Retired Players Convention and Play Football Month. Each clinic is structured to encourage healthy lifestyles by introducing good habits pertaining to physical fitness and nutrition. The clinics stimulate community spirit by involving volunteers, educational professionals and parents working along side active and retired players in leading structured activities to promote self-esteem, build confidence, develop a sense of teamwork and most importantly, HAVE FUN.