EDITION 1 - "MAKING A DIFFERENCE"

Every once in a while, each of us stands face to face with what we believe is a meaningful opportunity to make a difference. There are no score keepers to determine whether any one person's opportunity is greater or lesser than any other persons. In fact, I would suggest that every person who is deeply committed to making a difference is on equal footing with all others who feel similarly, regardless of the endeavor they are focused on at any given time. Today I would like to humbly present how we can make a difference at DigitalSports.

Around the country, today's budget battles at the county and state level often focus on attempts to prioritize the needs of our kids. Academics were the "easy" part, but what next? Music, art, drama, sports, debate, choir? Where does the line get drawn? Schools provide gyms and fields, but who gets to use them, and is there a cost? Is "Play for Pay" the only solution? Deeply committed administrators, coaches, teachers and parents spend days and nights working on organizing volunteers, raising money and mentoring kids so that these kids' lives can be enriched by personal experiences that challenge their skills and teach lessons of teamwork, character and commitment. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to differentiate between fund raising efforts that create a bonding opportunity vs. one that creates bondage.

Over the years, professional and collegiate sports have paved the way for a tradition of recognizing the superstars and superior teams. Striving for excellence and recognizing great performances is clearly appropriate. However, what about those who work hard every day to compete and make themselves better at what they do that are seldom if ever recognized? Newspapers and national websites dedicated to uncover the next Michael Jordan or Barry Sanders compete to predict the next major scholarship winner. Meanwhile, schools struggle to provide band uniforms and travel expenses for their field hockey and wrestling teams. Labels have emerged such as "revenue sports" vs "non-revenue sports". Parents wake up every day and open the newspapers in hopes their kid is mentioned in the coverage of the game they either attended or could not attend due to job responsibilities.

At DigitalSports we seek to find ways to make a difference in the lives of those we call "participants" in school sports or activities, or in youth or club sports programs. In no way do we seek to replace traditional media outlets such as newspapers, radio or television. Rather, we seek to offer an opportunity for every kid to be recognized for their hard work and commitment to excel in an activity they love. Have we aimed too high? Can we really change decades of media culture?

The answer is a resounding "YES"! In the days, weeks and months to come, we will be rolling out some amazing programs and services that break the mold and wake up the senses. A "New Media" has arrived, and our commitment is strong. In no way do we seek to replace traditional media. We respect their mission and efforts, and seek only to offer an alternative approach. In the weeks to come, we will roll out scholarship programs; revenue share opportunities; and tools and programs that ease the daily lives of school and youth or club sports participants. Ambitious? Sure. Right idea? Absolutely.

Please take a few moments to visit our active communities and see our vision in practice. All Kids...All Sports...All Activities is not a catchy phrase. It is who we are. If we have not made contact with your team, school or organization, call or email us. We are here for you. We are committed to improving the quality of life of all who participate in High School sports or activities, as well as in Youth and Club sports.

Ed Kelley

Head Coach, DigitalSports
Unprecedented Media Coverage of YOUR Local Sports & Activities