Buffalo, N.Y. (July 17, 2024) – Project Play Western New York (WNY) is pleased to announce that the nomination process for its Coaches Honor Roll Awards and Dick Gallagher Lifetime Achievement Award is now open. Individuals and organizations from all eight counties of Western New York are invited to nominate youth sports coaches from non-scholastic programs for the recognitions.
“A positive youth sports experience can make a tremendous difference in a child’s life,” said Aaron Hord, Director, Project Play WNY. “If coaches can focus on the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of the whole child, then they can help youth athletes feel safe and supported, foster important traits such as responsibility and perseverance, and guide them in building an emotional foundation for success. We’re looking forward to celebrating coaches who provide vital support to their youth athletes, often on a volunteer basis.”
To be considered for a Coaches Honor Roll award, coaches must receive separate nominations from two or more people. Submissions should describe how the nominee exemplifies the qualities of a great youth sports coach who is focused on youth development, promotes sportsmanship among their athletes and families, and demonstrates leadership within their organization and the values that align with Project Play WNY.
The Dick Gallagher Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has used their platform as a youth sports coach or youth sports organization leader to support, recognize and advocate for youth athletes both on and off the field, for a decade or more. The award honors the legacy of Dick Gallagher, a tireless youth sports advocate and Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame inductee, who also dedicated his professional life to helping young people struggling with addiction.
Nominations should be submitted online and are due Aug. 31, 2024. A link to the nomination form for the Coaches Honor Roll and the Dick Gallagher Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as criteria and eligibility information, can be found at projectplaywny.org/thank-you-coach-event/. Award winners will be announced in the fall and celebrated at the annual Thank You Coach event at Highmark Stadium in October, in partnership with the Buffalo Bills.
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About Project Play WNY
Project Play Western New York is driven and funded by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation’s Youth Sports & Recreation focus area in partnership with the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and the Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program. Project Play Western New York envisions a community in which all children have the opportunity to be active through sports. Every child—regardless of location, income or ability—should have access to fun and fulfilling physical activities that build confidence and set them on a path for lifelong success. For more information, visit www.projectplaywny.org.
About the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Established in 1919, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation’s care. Learn more at cfgb.org.
About the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.’s devotion to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his beloved Buffalo Bills NFL team. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson provided that a significant share of his estate be used to continue a life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. Based in Detroit, the Foundation began with a grantmaking capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable, and overseen by those who knew him best. For more information visit www.rcwjrf.org.