John Wooden

            Who has been an inspiration to you? This week I took a look at TED.com. TED is a website that allows viewers to see performances and talks for free. The objective is to spread ideas. John Wooden is one of the many speakers that have multiple talks on TED. One speech that really hit home was John Wooden's speech on success. John Wooden is an important part of what sports is today. ESPN has named John Wooden the best coach among all sports.  He has been praised as a player, coach and a speaker.

John Wooden attended Perdue University in Pennsylvania. He played basketball and was known for being fearless and having astounding speed. After graduation Wooden was offered a spot on the Boston Celtics. He declined this offer to become a teacher. After becoming a teacher he began to coach sports.  John Wooden went on to become to the UCLA Bruins coach in 1948. When he started they were considered the weakest team in the division. John Wooden led the team to an undefeated perfect season in 1964. It was the same year that the Bruins were successful is winning the NCAA championship. John Wooden went on to win many championships. He was the first person to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach.

Florida Citrus Sports

        Can you think of an organization near you that benefits your community? I am currently getting my Masters degree here in Central Florida. I have been researching organizations that benefit the community through sports. Florida Citrus Sports is an organization that gives back to the community and benefits the economy.

        Florida Citrus Sports is a nonprofit organization located in Orlando Florida. This organization is continually giving back to the community. They give numerous charitable contributions to improve the lives, health and education of children through athletics. Their primary fundraiser is the Florida Citrus Sports Mini Open. This event allows participants to play mini gold, enjoy great food and beverages, and also participate in the silent auction. The September 2010 event took place at Hawaiian Rumble Adventure Golf on International Drive. There were 288 members that participated in the event. This event generated 48,965 dollars to the Florida Citrus MVPS Foundation. This foundation focuses on youth athletics and academics in the community. This is just one event that they put on. Florida Citrus Sports also sponsors other events and organizations throughout the year in order to benefit the Central Florida community.