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Forbes
12-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Parents Continue To Believe Investing In Youth Sports Will Pay Dividends, New Study Shows
Despite an unsteady economy, nearly nine in 10 American parents say they are making room in the budget for extracurricular activities (88%), including sports. Nine in 10 parents say playing sports helps children build character (92%) and teaches them important life skills (90%), according to new research from The Harris Poll and First Tee. First Tee The global consulting and market research firm teamed up with the nonprofit youth development organization to explore the value parents place on youth sports, with a particular focus on the long-term impact of coaches. The Harris Poll surveyed 2,042 U.S. adults in March 2025 and analyzed the data by gender, age, race, education and income, among other characteristics. While few young athletes ultimately turn professional, parents believe youth sports can have lifelong benefits off the field. Nearly nine in 10 parents strongly recommend youth sports to other parents, believing that coaches can impact a child's ability to work well with others (89%), respect others (89%) and be resilient in the face of challenges (88%). First Tee "According to this new research, parents with adult children say the confidence their child built through sports continues to shape their success today, a data point that reinforces First Tee's mission of teaching not only golf skills but also life skills and values that equip kids to face new challenges,' said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. 'While we have heard success stories from countless First Tee alumni, we are grateful to Harris Poll for helping us quantify the incredible impact of extracurricular activities.' First Tee Generations of Americans have been shaped by youth sports, with nearly 70% of parents who grew up with coaches saying they wouldn't be where they are today without those influential adults in their life (67%). First Tee knows its coaches are the key to its success, which is why it's celebrating them during First Tee Week, May 19-25. The new brand awareness campaign will mark the launch of a PSA titled 'Dear Coach' and feature a panel discussion on the impact of coaches at the PGA TOUR's Charles Schwab Challenge. Other key findings from the survey include: First Tee 'Even amid economic uncertainty, parents see youth sports as a non-negotiable investment in their child's future,' said Abbey Lunney, Managing Director of the Trends and Thought Leadership Practice at The Harris Poll. 'Nearly 9 in 10 say the experience helped prepare their children for the future. Our data shows they're not just hoping for athletic success—they're prioritizing confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills shaped by meaningful coaching.' This is the third annual research collaboration between The Harris Poll and First Tee. For the results of the 2024 parent survey, click here.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Firefighters race to contain catastrophic blaze tearing through local communities: 'We still have a lot of work to do'
A massive wildfire has torn through parts of Southern New Jersey, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes and covering nearby towns in smoke, and it's a part of the increasingly prevalent extreme weather problem. The Jones Road Wildfire started Monday in the Pine Barrens region of Ocean County, according to CBS News. Since then, it's burned more than 12,500 acres across Barnegat, Lacey, and Ocean Townships, and as of the morning of Thursday, April 24, it was still not under control. Officials say it's about 50% contained, and over 100 firefighters are working nonstop to try to stop it from spreading even more. The wildfire broke out in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area and spread quickly because of dry brush, wind, and warm weather. New Jersey's governor declared a state of emergency since fire crews are still struggling to contain it. One commercial building and several vehicles have already been destroyed. At one point, nearly 25,000 people lost power. Around 5,000 residents were told to evacuate, though they've since been allowed to return home. "We still have a lot of work to do to achieve complete containment of the wildfire," said State Fire Service Chief Greg McLaughlin during an update. This is now the biggest wildfire in the state this year and one of the worst in nearly 20 years. According to reports, the flames came dangerously close to the closed Oyster Creek nuclear power plant. The exact cause of the fire is still unknown, but it started during a stretch of unusually dry, warm weather for April. Fires like this used to be rare in New Jersey. Scientists say the increase in wildfires and the difficulty in containing them are due to the changing climate, which makes the weather hotter, drier, and more extreme. This makes it easier for fires to start and spread. New Jersey's Pine Barrens is especially risky. The forest there is dense and full of flammable plants. With longer dry periods and less spring rain, fires can grow fast. These fires threaten homes, make the air unhealthy to breathe, and destroy wildlife habitats. And as the planet keeps warming, experts say we'll likely see more big fires like this. Firefighters are using bulldozers and backfires to try to stop the flames from moving closer to homes. Crews are also working to protect the forest itself from more damage. Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The U.S. Forest Service spent $16 million on wildfire prevention, including early detection systems and clearing out invasive plants that make fires worse. On an individual level, you can do the following: Avoid burning yard waste, follow local fire bans, and keep your home's surroundings clear of flammable debris. Just as importantly, switching to clean energy and limiting pollution are keys to averting the extreme weather conditions that exacerbate wildfires. If you're looking to add solar panels, EnergySage is a great place to start. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
GENESIS DONATES $300,000 TO FIRST TEE, GIRLS ON THE RUN, AND U.S. SOCCER FOUNDATION AT 2025 GENESIS INVITATIONAL
Genesis champions youth sports with $100,000 donations to First Tee, Girls on the Run, and U.S. Soccer Foundation Each donation includes a portion for community recovery efforts following the Southern California wildfires SAN DIEGO, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- To commemorate the 2025 Genesis Invitational, Genesis donated a total of $300,000 to three organizations empowering young athletes. First Tee, Girls on the Run, and U.S. Soccer Foundation each received $100,000 in support of expanding access to youth sports. A portion of each donation will aid recovery from the wildfires in Southern California, reinforcing Genesis' commitment to both sports accessibility and community resilience. "At Genesis, we are committed to not only developing world-class vehicles, but also giving back to our communities," said Tedros Mengiste, chief operating officer, Genesis Motor North America. "We are proud to continue supporting organizations that inspire and empower the next generation through sports. This year, we are especially grateful that our donations will also help rebuild Southern California—the place we call home." For the fourth consecutive year, Genesis is partnering with nonprofit organizations that support youth nationwide through high-quality sports programs designed to foster valuable life skills, such as commitment, resilience, and teamwork. The donations are made through Genesis Gives, a corporate social responsibility initiative from Genesis Motor America, which aims to improve access to youth sports in under-resourced communities. Some of this year's funds will go toward restoring and sustaining local sports programs in Southern California that were impacted by the wildfires. "We are grateful to Genesis for its ongoing support of First Tee and our efforts to provide youth development programming to more than 3 million kids annually," said Greg McLaughlin, chief executive officer, First Tee. "Like Genesis, First Tee has deep roots in Los Angeles, and we thank Genesis for helping our Chapters in the area as they recover from last month's devastating wildfires. This donation from Genesis will truly make a difference for these First Tee families." "We are incredibly grateful for the generous support from Genesis Gives, which will allow us to expand access to our life-changing programs for girls across the country," said Elizabeth Kunz, chief executive officer, Girls on the Run International. "Now more than ever, girls need a supportive community where they can build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging, and this funding will help ensure that no girl is left behind." "We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Genesis and continue to provide access to proven soccer programs and create safe places to play for children in under-resourced communities that improve their health and well-being," said Ed Foster-Simeon, president and chief executive officer, U.S. Soccer Foundation. The following organizations each received a donation of $100,000: First Tee: First Tee builds game changers by empowering kids and teens to be the best version of themselves. By integrating the game of golf with character-building, First Tee creates learning experiences that uncover young athletes' inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. The donation will provide more youth with opportunities to develop golf and life skills at First Tee chapters, while also aiding the recovery of First Tee – Greater Pasadena, which lost most of its equipment in the recent wildfires. To date, Genesis has donated a cumulative $400,000 to First Tee. Girls on the Run: Girls on the Run inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident through a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. Programming for 3rd-8th graders empowers participants to recognize their individual strengths while building a sense of connection in a team setting. This donation will help widen access and ensure long-term sustainability of Girls on the Run initiatives and local councils offering programs at schools and community sites. A portion of the funding will directly assist Southern California councils recovering from the impact of recent wildfires, providing them with the necessary resources to continue inspiring and uplifting the next generation of girls. To date, Genesis has donated a cumulative $350,000 to Girls on the Run. U.S. Soccer Foundation: U.S. Soccer Foundation provides underserved communities with access to innovative play spaces and evidence-based soccer programs that instill hope, foster well-being, and help youth achieve their fullest potential. This year's donation will support the creation of mini-pitches in Southern California and Atlanta to provide safer places for young people to play the game right in the communities where they live and go to school. To date, Genesis has donated a cumulative $350,000 to U.S. Soccer Foundation. First Tee The mission of First Tee is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. First Tee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR and many other organizations, foundations, companies and individuals. Over more than 27 years, First Tee has reached millions of young people through its network of 150 Chapters, 12,000 schools and 2,000 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. Girls on the Run Girls on the Run International (GOTRI) creates and offers after-school empowerment programs designed for third- to eighth-grade girls. The national nonprofit helps participants build confidence, increase their level of physical activity, and learn essential life skills such as managing emotions, resolving conflicts, and forming friendships through the innovative integration of fun physical activities, engaging lessons, and impactful community projects. The research-based curriculum led by trained volunteer coaches explores core topics relevant to 8- to 13-year-old girls, including understanding emotions, fostering friendships, expressing empathy, and standing up for ourselves. The coaches and curriculum create a sense of belonging for all participants and meet the vital needs of girls today. The program culminates in a Community Impact Project and a celebratory 5K. Since it was founded in 1996, this national movement has served more than 2.5 million girls in all 50 states and Canada. Learn more at U.S. Soccer Foundation As the national leader for sports-based youth development in under-resourced areas, the U.S. Soccer Foundation is on a mission to let soccer do what it does: change absolutely everything. Founded as a legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the Foundation provides underserved communities access to innovative play spaces and evidence-based soccer programs that instill hope, foster well-being, and help youth achieve their fullest potential. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information visit or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. Genesis Gives Genesis Gives is a corporate social responsibility initiative from Genesis Motor America. Expanding on the brand's commitment to the highest standards of performance and its athletic elegance design identity, Genesis Gives supports nonprofit organizations with the goal of improving access to, and performance in, youth sports and STEAM education in under-resourced communities. Since 2022, Genesis has donated nearly $1.8 million to support communities across the country. For more information, visit Genesis Motor North America Genesis is a new global automotive brand that delivers the highest standards of design, safety, refined performance, and innovation while looking towards a more sustainable future. Drawing from its cultural heritage and distinctly Korean hospitality, Genesis crafts experiences focused on customers as "son-nim", or honored guests. Genesis Motor North America offers a growing range of award-winning SUV, sedan, and electric models through its network of more than 200 independent U.S. retailers, in addition to its more than 30 Canadian agency distributors. Genesis now counts more than 60 standalone retail facilities across the North American region, with dozens more in development. Consumers can discover the brand through its many retail points, at Genesis House, the brand's flagship space in New York City, or online at Please visit our media site for the latest news at (United States) and (Canada). View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Genesis Motor America Sign in to access your portfolio
