This event, organized by Long Island Media in collaboration with the National Supplier Diversity Institute (NSDI), focused on combining sports and clean energy education to promote a more equitable and sustainable future. The initiative, called Sports Power Clean Energy, aimed to engage youth and families in experiencing the benefits of clean energy while participating in sports activities.
The event was made possible through the support of Vineyard Offshore, which provided the necessary resources for powering the activities. By bringing together the community, Sports Power Clean Energy sought to showcase the potential of clean energy technologies in a fun and interactive way.
Activities at the event included basketball and soccer tournaments, as well as educational seminars on renewable energy. These activities were designed to appeal to a wide range of interests and age groups, ensuring that everyone could participate and learn about the importance of clean energy solutions.
Special guests at the event included students from local schools who actively participated in energy-themed drills. Additionally, former college athletes and prominent entrepreneurs and educators from Long Island contributed to the event, providing valuable insights and expertise.
Overall, the event provided a day of fun and learning, demonstrating the power of clean energy to positively impact communities while engaging in sports activities. Through partnerships like those with Vineyard Offshore and NSDI, initiatives like Sports Power Clean Energy can continue to promote sustainability and inclusivity in local communities.
Behind the Numbers
Perceptive: By the time we accomplish our interim greenhouse gas emission reduction target of 40% by 2030, Sports Power Clean Energy’s participating youth will be 17 – 22 years old.
By the time we reach an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 the youth that attended Sports Power Clean Energy will be between the ages of 37 – 42.
The program allows parents to work without worrying about childcare for that day; moreover, it showcased local small businesses that provided a variety of services as part of their supplier diversity initiative. Overall, this was an inspiring opportunity for all ages – especially adolescents – to expand their horizons two things they haven’t seen before.
Sports Power Clean Energy lives in supplier diversity. Local small/diverse businesses provided a majority of goods and services to provide this opportunity to the community.
Did You Know?
84% of youth ages 6 – 15 participate in youth sports during the course of a year. Source: President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition Science Board.
For school-aged youth especially as they enter adolescents, their circles of influence (besides digital media) are heavily impacted by peers and non-related adults within their areas of interest. This makes sports such a critical pathway to influence children’s and teens’ future aspirations.
Sports Power Clean Energy meets youth and families where they are. Our clean-energy education sessions expose youth, coaches, and parents to clean-energy lifestyles and careers. Immediately after completing their hands-on clean energy projects, participating youth engage in professionally coached sports practices, camps, and clinics.
Youth sports are a trusted and effective pathway to integrating clean energy education and career opportunities. At the end of each session, every family is provided offshore wind workbooks to continue learning at home.
Representation is Key
Sports Power Clean Energy is a forward-thinking initiative that addresses not only the imperative for clean energy but also the broader social and economic challenges faced by underrepresented and under-resourced communities, particularly in the realm of environmental justice.
Firstly, the initiative recognizes the multifaceted nature of the issues these communities face. Beyond environmental concerns, they grapple with food insecurity, economic hardship, health disparities, lack of childcare, and limited access to equitable employment opportunities. By acknowledging and understanding these challenges, Sports Power Clean Energy demonstrates a commitment to holistic community development.
One of the key strategies employed by Sports Power Clean Energy is the creation of a safe and inspiring environment that brings together diverse communities under the banner of clean energy. This approach not only promotes the adoption of clean energy practices but also fosters community cohesion and empowerment.
Moreover, the initiative emphasizes the importance of education and career development within the clean energy sector. By expanding educational and career pathways, Sports Power Clean Energy aims to empower individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to participate in and contribute to the clean energy industry.
Central to the initiative’s ethos is the concept of reciprocity and mentorship. Sports Power Clean Energy seeks to inspire individuals to pay forward the knowledge and opportunities they have received, thereby creating a cycle of learning and empowerment that extends to future generations.
Importantly, Sports Power Clean Energy is not just focused on local impact but also aims to create a global network of sustainability leaders. By leveraging the universal appeal of sports, the initiative seeks to promote clean energy education and careers on a worldwide scale.
In summary, Sports Power Clean Energy represents a comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. By championing clean energy solutions, fostering community engagement, and promoting education and career development, the initiative aims to transform communities into sustainability leaders and advocates for a cleaner, brighter future.
Local Business
In attendance were some of New York’s leading entrepreneurs, educators, non-profits, and community leaders. Chief Executive Officer in Education Management at The Innovative Daycare Corp, Janna Rodriguez. Renita & William Certain founders of Spin the Yard. Deidre Helberg, Pres. & CEO / Helberg Electrical Supply. Clifford Exil, Owner/CEO of JetEx Mechanical, LLC. The Wilkinz Group, as well as Educator Marj Issapour. All played a big role in the educational component of the day.
National Supplier Diversity Institute
The National Supplier Diversity Institute is committed to providing equal access to education and resources, representing underrepresented communities, creating a platform for youth sports, and inspiring others through clean energy initiatives. The National Supplier Diversity Institute is a supplier diversity training network that advances capacity building for small/diverse business sellers and public-private buyers.
About Vineyard Offshore
Vineyard Offshore brings industry-leading experience to every phase of offshore wind project development– from conception and design to permitting, finance and construction. Our team delivers clean, renewable, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective projects that maximize job creation and investment opportunities for local communities.
Thank you
Special recognition to our community partners Spin the Yard Equity + Environmental Justice Center and media partner This is Long Island Media the over dozen offshore wind small/diverse business leaders that shared their experiences and words of wisdom.
