The Sport Stars Who Inspire

The greatest trait of a role model is the ability to inspire others, and few are more inspirational than sports stars. Role models can come from all walks of life; anyone can inspire some one to achieve their potential in life. We are all role models, especially if we are successful in a particular domain. It's just that our spheres of influence vary, which is why high-profile personalities differ from ordinary people: stars impact greater numbers of people and can motivate many more young lives.

This is why the recent news that David Beckham has signed a five-month deal to play football for Paris St Germain (a French team) is amazing, because he also announced that he would donate his entire salary to a children's hospital. Says Beckham, "I won't receive any salary. My salary will go to a local children's charity. That's one of the things we are excited and proud to do. To be able to give a huge sum to a children's charity in Paris is very special." This international footballer will be donating around £3million to the cause.

This is also why the recent creation of the Allstate NABC Good Works Team® and the Allstate WBCA Good Works Team® awards by the Allstate Insurance Company, the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) to recognise a unique group of men's and women's college basketball student-athletes who stand out for their charitable achievements and community involvement is also fantastic news. These Awards will be composed of ten college basketball student-athletes who have made outstanding contributions in the areas of volunteering and civic involvement; separate voting panels composed of former coaches, student-athletes and media will evaluate their social work.

Athletic departments are nominating deserving student-athletes for the Allstate NABC and WBCA Good Works Teams® on behalf of their schools. Former University of Arizona student-athlete, five-time NBA champion and college basketball analyst Steve Kerr will headline the Allstate NABC Good Works Team® voting panel, while women's professional basketball star Tamika Catchings, who played at the University of Tennessee, will serve on the Allstate WBCA Good Works Team® panel. Pam Hollander, Senior Director of Marketing for Allstate Insurance Company and Member of the 2013 NABC and WBCA Good Works Team® selection panels says, "Whether we see it or not, college basketball student-athletes across the country are making a positive impact on their campuses and in their communities every day. This award honours these student-athletes with the recognition they deserve for giving back."

These awards are a great way to recognise the significant contributions that college basketball players are actually making in their local communities. It also is a great opportunity to highlight the many compelling stories of student-athletes who embody the spirit of giving back, which will hopefully inspire others, particularly their peers.

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