Catholic Charities’ mission is rooted in faith traditions of charity and justice. As an integral part of our organization, the Catholic Charities CYO Athletics program has three main objectives:
- To encourage the social teachings of the Catholic Church, which includes promoting human dignity, service to others, and common good in our community;
- To provide as much participation as possible among all youth involved; and
- To develop the concept of community through team sports.
At Catholic Charities CYO Athletics, we are constantly challenged to better ourselves. In team sports we strive for growth and improvement, both as individuals and as a team. The development of such values is the primary objective of Catholic Charities CYO Athletics, in the arena in which the young person practices the principles of Christian values. Within this arena the coaches, directors, and participants must manifest and exemplify the ideals of a Christian life.
Athletic activity plays an important part in the growth and development of children. Team sports, competitive contests and special outdoor activities are opportunities to keep the body fit and the mind fresh. For these reasons, Catholic Charities CYO Athletics encourages the participation of all youth – not merely the skilled athletes – in order to encourage wide participation and to foster positive attitudes. Athletics must be built upon a strong foundation: parish and community participation, dedicated coaches, and youth open to learning and playing.
The parishes, communities and families provide the foundation for this program. The concepts of "Team Spirit" and “Sportsmanship" cannot be overstated, for it is in these ideals that participation in a community is possible for each young person in Catholic Charities CYO Athletics.
Catholic Charities CYO Athletics has a duty to each of its participants (coaches, players, officials, parents), to provide the best possible atmosphere of competition. Such competition should not be based solely on winning or losing, but it should be understood in terms of participation, improvement, enjoyment, and self-confidence. It is an ideal, but it is the basis of this program. The participants must become gracious winners and losers, understanding that "how the team played" is immensely more important than who won the game. The youngsters are then freed to become the best that they can possibly be - and to encourage the best in their teammates, peers, friends, and competitors.