Professional & Olympic Athlete Ambassadors

Giving Back
The power and influence of sports. Before we can learn the life lessons that have helped mold us into who we are today, we must have the opportunity to play. Many Olympic and Professional Athletes have taken this to heart and dedicated their time and knowledge to sharing their love of sports with others.

What is an Athlete Ambassador?
KPI partners with professional and Olympic athletes who are passionate about their sports and giving back. They not only want to make a difference in the lives' of children in Africa but are passionate about traveling with a purpose. We're all about supporting our Athlete Ambassadors by sharing their stories and successes, and we love that they share KPI's!

Who are KPI's Athlete Ambassadors?

Anne Poulin - Professional Soccer Player

Cameron Myler - 4-time Olympian in Luge

Chanda Gunn - Olympic Bronze
Medalist for USA Hockey

Emily Cook - 2-time Olympian in Freestyle Skiing

         

Jaime Komer - Olympic Silver Medalist for USA Water Polo

Psst...

Do you know know an elite athlete that embodies the core values of KPI? Send us an email with a brief description of the athlete and why you think they'd be a great addition to the KPI Team!

Please email: jaime@kidsplayintl.org.

Are you in the loop?
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (found under "kidsplayintl"). Check out Facebook or click here for all the snazzy info and latest updates on our Cocktails for a Cause event in New York City.

*Photo of Jaime Komer by Jeff Farsai.

Cocktails for a Cause in NYC!

Who's ready to dance, bid, walk the red carpet, drink, chat, and laugh the night away in true style? That's right my philanthropic party lovers, Cocktails for a Cause is heading to New York City!

Kids Play International's first annual East Coast fundraiser will take place at the luxurious 48 Lounge on September 24th. This stellar location will set the mood for an evening celebrating and supporting KPI's Let's Play! and Girls Dream Big programs. 

Here's the quick little dish about these two great programs:

Let's Play! is a community sports education program in Gatagara, Rwanda. We currently have an outstanding program director and several local coaches leading over 300 children through the after-school program. 

Girls Dream Big is a scholarship program that helps identity girls who are in need of funding to continue or finish their schooling, while empowering and supporting them through sports. 

The Juicy Goodness
This is a chance for us all to get together, learn about and support a very special organization, and even rub shoulders with some Olympians! If you have yet to visit Rwanda or Malawi with KPI, this is also the perfect opportunity to chat with the volunteers and athlete ambassadors who have first-hand experience. Maybe by next year, you'll be sharing your own KPI volunteer trip experience! 

I Need My Ticket!
We make things eazy-peazy. You can purchase your tickets online here for $30 or $40 at the door (ticket receipt is required at door). 

Not Able to Make it?
Even if you happen to be galavanting around the world, we still whole-heartedly appreciate your support. If you'd like to donate (believe it or not, $25 sends a Rwanda child to primary school for one year), please peruse here. 

Don't Forget to Bring Your Bidding Paddle
Just kidding, we won't be doing live bidding (that get's wild!). But you're still in luck, we'll be hosting a packed silent auction. With all these professional athletes that KPI is involved with, my guess is that there will be some pretty hot and unique items available. Happy bidding!

Nitty Gritty
Cocktails for a Cause
Monday, September 24th 2012
6:00pm − 9:00pm
48 Lounge
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020

Warning: Symptoms of the Olympic Fever

I recently returned home from a jaunt across the pond to cheer at the Olympic Games and appear to have symptoms possibly related to the Olympic Fever. 

Have you heard of this serious illness? For the past year it's been spreading and gaining momentum across the globe. I'm surprised the World Health Organization has not posted an international alert (maybe they've caught it and keeping it under wraps).

Please review the following symptoms to see if you or a loved one have fallen ill to the Olympic Fever. We strongly suggest taking precaution when attempting to diagnose a loved one or friend, they may attempt to dress you up as a Wenlock (cyclops mascot, quite scary indeed). 

*You don't leave home without wearing a cape of your country's flag. And why wouldn't you, it looks better than a Snuggie and you feel like the Caped Crusader. 

*When making a reservation at a restaurant, you place your reservation under William and Kate or Elizabeth and James (Bond, James Bond).

*You now do a victory dance at the end of every workout. 

*As you take your dog for a walk, you now greet neighbors with Usain Bolt dance moves. And then you run as fast as you can around the block. 

*You've created i.d. credentials for yourself and any other VIP's allowed into your Sponsored Hospitality House (aka your home).

*You now place your priceless pin collection in a safe (and you know who to talk to on the black market to get more).

*You have competed and/or hosted a Beerolympics, where you drink a beer from as many different countries as possible (you know the rules, you must be standing at the end to win. Don't forget to make a podium in your house to accept your medal).

*You now strut your stuff in a speedo (don't forget your goggles). And if you don't already, you shave your arms, legs, and back. So speedy!

*You attempt to start the wave at office meetings. A round or rectangular table is ideal for such an event. Horn blowers are optional.

*You stand on the curb of a busy street waiting to cheer all cyclists who ride by.

*You attend your children's athletic events covered in body paint and holding a cheer sign. Who cares if they're only in kindergarden.

Note: There is currently no known cure for the Olympic Fever. Studies may suggest that symptoms will slowly decrease, though there is no concrete research confirming this. Now where the heck did I put my cape? 

Blog by: Fierce competitor in Beerolympics and creator of the Komero Hospitality House, Jaime Komer.