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Wisconsin seeks to create a “purpose-based” sports culture
The InSideOut Initiative launches in Wisconsin in partnership with the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, NFL Foundation and the Green Bay Packers
Football

STEVENS POINT — The InSideOut Initiative — a nonprofit aimed to inspire, catalyze, and equip school leaders and communities to transform lives through Purpose-Based Sports — launched on Jan. 10, 2023 in Wisconsin, in partnership with the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association, Wisconsin Rural School Alliance and Association of Wisconsin School Administrators.

Powered by the NFL Foundation and piloted in Colorado and Texas in 2015, the InSideOut Initiative has partnered with 23 NFL Teams across 20 states. InSideOut partners with educational leaders, state athletic associations and local NFL teams to inspire, catalyze, and equip school leaders and communities to transform lives through Purpose-Based Sports; connecting students to Transformational Coaches, in a Culture of Belonging, for their Human Growth and Development.

Wisconsin launched this Initiative, thanks to comprehensive funding from the National Football League Foundation and the Green Bay Packers.

“We are excited to be a partner along with the Green Bay Packers and other education organizations in offering the InSideOut Initiative to our member schools,” WIAA Executive Director Stephanie Hauser said. “We believe the foundation of the InSideOut Initiative supports the goals of education-based athletics and will enhance the positive experiences that high school sports provide.”

“The Packers are proud to support the InSideOut initiative in Wisconsin,” said Mark Murphy, President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers. “Sports can serve as a powerful catalyst to build unity and bring people together, regardless of what the scoreboard says.

“Being involved in sports during childhood can help kids develop critical skills and learn valuable lessons about teamwork, accountability and dedication,” he continued. “The Packers are committed to encouraging participation in sports to help young people discover more about themselves, their teammates and the world around them.”

For sports to provide students with human growth and development opportunities, we must move beyond defining success only by the scoreboard and create space in the culture for a higher purpose. Wisconsin is committed to creating this space, starting now.