Over the past few days, Up2Us Sports staff and coaches in New Orleans, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami have participated in the Corporation for National and Community Service’s (CNCS) MLK Day of Service. In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service in recognition of Dr. King’s incredible legacy of service to all. Fittingly, they charged CNCS with leading this effort. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a “day on, not a day off.”

The Up2Us Coach program is funded by CNCS’s AmeriCorps program, so it was only fitting that our terrific service members took this day of service and dedicated it in Dr. King’s honor.

New Orleans

In New Orleans, our staff and coaches partnered with Excite AllStars to host an MLK Day of Play. The event brought together the youth in the city of New Orleans, as well as schools and other community based organizations to enjoy the essence of sport and play in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King. Our coaches provided a safe, fun-filled day for New Orleans youth led by their role models and mentors. The event was held at the Boys and Girls Club of SELA, who generously donated their facility for the event. Trader Joe's, Langenstein’s, Fresh Market, Costco and Jimmy John’s all contributed donations to make the day a success.

New Orleans Photography by Thomas Brothers Group

Miami

This past Saturday in Miami, our staff and coaches partnered with the Miami 1st Service Platoon of The Mission Continues to beautify Gwen Cherry Park. They spent the morning painting, mulching, building planter boxes and cleaning up the park. The Mission Continues - a partner of Up2Us Sports’ Operation Coach initiative - is a nonprofit that empowers veterans who are adjusting to life at home to find purpose through community impact.

Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, we partnered with Councilmember Jose Huizar from Council District 14 and The El Sereno Stallions football organization and community members to do a community clean up. Staff, coaches and members went out in teams to clean up Huntington Drive, the main street that crosses through El Sereno. The long corridor needed some love, attention and cleaning up and the Up2Us Sports group was happy to support the community of El Sereno.

Chicago

In Chicago, our coaches spent Monday with AmeriCorps Project YES! at their 11th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day Literacy Fair. They helped children learn the importance of literacy through fun and interactive activities. AmeriCorps Project YES! Is a a program of the Northwestern University Settlement House, which connects caring adults with youth in the West Town community through mentorship, including educational, service, artistic, and recreational activities, to support their academic achievement.

Additionally in Chicago, our coaches will partner with Special Olympics Chicago this Saturday, January 20th at their annual Men's Regional Basketball Tournament. Up2Us Sports staff and coaches will be assisting with event management needs, including serving as court supervisors, scorekeepers, time keepers, lunch monitors, and award handlers.   

Special thanks to the ongoing support from AmeriCorps, Volunteer Louisiana, CaliforniaVolunteers, Volunteer Florida and Serve Illinois.

To learn more about MLK Service Day, click here.