Good sportsmanship earns parks grant

Liberty Mutual, one of the nation's leading auto and home insurers, has recognized Arlington Heights Park District of Arlington as one of 20 youth sports organizations to receive a $2,500 grant for outstanding community participation in the Responsible Sports program that promotes a positive youth sports experience.

More than 100 parents and coaches participated in online courses at www.ResponsibleSports.com for Arlington Heights Park District between Sept. 17 and Dec. 31 to gain expert advice and resources to ensure a safe, positive, character-building youth sports experience in Arlington.

Since the September launch of ResponsibleSports.com, over 5,500 parents, coaches and administrators countrywide have completed the program on behalf of more than 500 youth sports organizations.

Liberty Mutual launched ResponsibleSports.com last fall in partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance, US Youth Soccer and USA Football. The online resource provides parents and coaches with advice, toolkits and best practices on coaching and mentoring today's youth, so they can maximize the positive role they play in young athletes' lives.

Parents, coaches, administrators, community volunteers and youth sports enthusiasts can complete the Responsible Coaching and Responsible Sport Parenting courses online at www.ResponsibleSports.com. The courses provide real-world examples and practical techniques for using responsible behavior to help enhance a child's learning of life lessons using a sports platform.