SPORT FOR GOOD CHICAGO HONORS CELEBRATES LOCAL CHAMPIONS USING SPORT TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES

CHICAGO, IL (November 5, 2025) — The Sport for Good Chicago Coalition, an initiative of Laureus USA, hosted its inaugural Sport for Good Chicago Honors celebration on November 5 at The Ramova Theatre. The event brought together leaders across the city’s vibrant sports-based youth development (SBYD) community to recognize individuals and organizations using the power of sport to uplift young people and strengthen communities.

Hundreds of nominations were submitted by program leaders, staff and community members from across Chicago. Honorees and finalists were celebrated for their impact, leadership, and commitment to the Sport for Good Chicago movement.

2025 Sport for Good Chicago Honors Awardees:

Community Impact Award (Organization)
Recognizing an organization leading the way in using sport to uplift entire communities.
Winner: Beyond the Ball
Finalists: The Bloc, Refugee Education & Adventure Challenge (REACH), Chicago Youth Boxing Club

Coach of the Year (Individual)
Celebrating a coach who exemplifies the impact and power of sports-based youth development.
Winner: Samantha Barrientos, Beat the Streets
Finalists: Camille Joy Powell (PeaceRunners/Breakthrough), Abi Delgado (Girls in the Game), Wagdi Abdelmouli (Refugee Education & Adventure Challenge (REACH))

Rookie of the Year (Organization)
Honoring a new organization already making a meaningful difference in the SBYD field.
Winner: PeaceRunners 773
Finalists: Chicago Union Cares, Ana Sierra Women’s Basketball League (ASWBL)

Team Spirit Award (Individual)
Recognizing a coalition member who leads by example and helps build community.
Winner: Rebecca Brandtman, Chicago Park District
Finalists: Jess Larson (Girls in the Game), Alecia Ivery (Girls in the Game), Cooper Thompson (Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport)

Team Champion Award
Selected by the Laureus USA team to honor an outstanding partner and advocate for youth sport.
Winner: IMC Chicago Charitable Foundation (Lisa Wiersma)

Sport for Good Chicago Hall of Fame
Honoring current and past coalition leaders who have demonstrated dedicated leadership and lasting impact through collective action.
2025 Inductees:

• David Flynn (Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport)
• Meghan Morgan (Girls in the Game)
• Keri Blackwell (Chicago Cubs Charities)
• LaVonte Stewart (Lost Boyz Inc.)
• Representative Kam Buckner (Illinois House of Representatives)
• Senator Robert Peters (Illinois Senate)
• Cristina Pacione Zayas (Mayor’s Office)
• Jill Eid (Girls on the Run)
• Pharlone Toussaint (Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport)
• Andy Nielsen (Urban Initiatives)

Celebrating the Power of Sport

The evening highlighted the transformative role of sport in advancing equity, building community, and supporting the holistic development of Chicago’s youth. From long-standing community champions to new organizations driving innovation, every honoree exemplified the belief that sport has the power to change the world.

Grace Curtin, Program Officer for Sport for Good Chicago at Laureus USA, shared:
“The Sport for Good Chicago Honors is about celebrating the people and programs who make this movement possible. Every nominee represents the heart of this coalition– changemakers using sport to drive opportunity, connection, and hope for our youth and communities. We’re so proud to recognize their impact and to continue building a stronger, more equitable Chicago together.”

About Sport for Good Chicago

Sport for Good Chicago is a coalition of over 1,500 individuals and 120 organizations committed to using sports-based youth development as a lever for social change. Formed in 2018, the Coalition is powered by volunteers and Laureus USA, a nonprofit, grant-making organization that works to improve the lives of youth and unite communities through sport. Membership in the Coalition is free and open to anyone who believes in the power of sport to enrich our children and our city. For more information, visit https://laureususa.com/our-work/sport-for-good-cities/sport-for-good-chicago/