STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University’s Sport IMPACT Lab has been recognized by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a National Youth Sports Strategy (NYSS) Champion SM.
Kalyn Banks, Patrick Lacey, Colby Miller, Lexi Lunceford, Ashonti Idlebird, Amiah Rodriguez, Melissa Vargas, Quentin Rodriguez, Sebastian Akins, Lillian Davison, Ross Shockley, Lily Wilson, and Brandon Coker.
Sport IMPACT Lab has demonstrated a commitment to support safe, fun, inclusive, developmentally appropriate and accessible youth sports opportunities. NYSS Champions are recognized on health.gov as part of a growing network of organizations partnering with HHS to improve the youth sports landscape in America.
“We know children who obtain regular physical activity gain important physical and mental health benefits, which are more important than ever considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rear Adm. Paul Reed, MD, HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health. “I’m thrilled to acknowledge the work of the NYSS Champions who are helping to foster a lifelong love of sports and physical activity for our nation’s youth.”
Dr. Christina Villalon, Director for the Sport IMPACT Lab, said the coaching, administration and structure of youth sports have an enormous impact. “By helping to improve the systems of those programs, we can influence improved athlete experiences and ideally help create an overall healthier population.”
She said she looks forward to promoting the National Youth Sport Strategy through community engagement activities. Last Saturday’s Youth Sport Day, part of the Kids Korner during Family Weekend at Tarleton, is the first of several youth sports days the lab has planned for the next year. A Youth Sport Day Handbook that other organizations can use to run their own “Youth Sport Day” is in the works.
Other plans include:
- Partnering with Strong Girls United for a day-long event in the fall and a week-long event in the spring for local girls that is focused on empowerment through sport.
- Creating a webpage listing local sport opportunities in the area as a resource for parents.
- Connecting with local youth sport organizations in the community for hands-on experiences in coaching and sport management.
- Coaching education and development for interested organizations.
- Developing evaluations and action research projects with community partners.
NYSS is a federal roadmap with actionable strategies for youth, adults who interact with youth, organizations, communities and public policy makers to increase participation in youth sports. NYSS Champions are recognized for working toward this goal.
About Sport IMPACT Lab
The Sport IMPACT Lab in the Tarleton State School of Kinesiology bridges the theory/application gap in coaching and sport management through research, applied learning experiences and community engagement. NYSS Champion is a service mark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, used with permission. Participation by Sport IMPACT Lab does not imply endorsement by HHS/ODPHP.
About the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
ODPHP plays a vital role in keeping the nation healthy through Healthy People 2030, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, and other programs, services and education activities. ODPHP is part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To learn more about ODPHP visit health.gov or follow @HealthGov on X and @HHSHealthGov on Facebook.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.