The National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS) and American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) are proud to announce that Babe Ruth League has been named the 2019 STRIVE Organization of the Year. The award recognizes organizations implementing promising practices and policies to protect young athletes. This award celebrates organizations’ commitment to young athletes’ health, wellness and safety. It demonstrates Sports to Teach Respect, Initiative, Values and Excellence without compromising safety.
Babe Ruth League is one of the largest youth baseball and softball organizations in the country serving more than one million players. The Babe Ruth League, founded more than 60 years ago, has more than 1.5 million volunteers.
Yet, Babe Ruth League has doubled-down on its safety efforts with more rigorous background screenings, implemented abuse prevention training that is Safe Sport Act compliant, updated its coaching education training, improved its risk management approach for concussions, increased safety resources for volunteers and provided educational content for parents.
Four other organizations were finalists for Organization of the Year including:
- ABC Youth Sports
- The CoachSafely Foundation
- US Club Soccer
- US Youth Soccer Association
We tip our hat to Babe Ruth League which will receive a $5,000 award and will be recognized in a public ceremony at a time to be determined.
About National Council of Youth Sports
The National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS) exists to promote the importance of youth sports in America and works to enhance the experience of all participants. The NCYS is nationally recognized as a leading advocate for young people to have full access to sports participation and to ensure that games are played in safe environments. As the largest organization in America serving the industry, NCYS member organizations serves some 60 million registered participants in organized youth sports programs. Members are recognized as gatekeepers, key decision-makers, influencers and advocates for youth sports participation.
About AIG
American International Group, Inc. (AIG) is a leading global insurance organization. Building on 100 years of experience, today AIG member companies provide a wide range of property casualty insurance, life insurance, retirement products, and other financial services to customers in more than 80 countries and jurisdictions. These diverse offerings include products and services that help businesses and individuals protect their assets, manage risks and provide for retirement security. AIG common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
