Spotlight

New Leadership Program Announced
The Gabrielle Giffords Earth and Space Leadership Fund is the newest project from GSA USA, providing support for students interested in environmental technologies and earth and space sciences. As a tribute to her dedication to education, the environment, and leadership, the fund was named after Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in the wake of the Tucson, Arizona tragedy that occurred on January 8, 2011.

Congresswoman Giffords is a true Champion for Change and supports future leaders in space exploration, earth and space sciences, and policy. Please support this tribute by making a donation today. For more information, contact info@gabriellegiffordsleadershipfund.org.

Team Captain Honored by Governor’s Office
GSA USA Team Captain Chris Valdez was honored by the Arizona Governor’s office as the 2010 Outstanding Afterschool Professional at the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence’s annual awards luncheon. The Governor’s office recognized Chris’s dedication and service to his community because of his out-of-school programs for at-risk youth and Arizona families.

GSA is proud to have Chris as a team captain that dedicates himself to youth mentorship and programs that involve teaching life skills, self-confidence, and an appreciation for community. Chris is the definition of a true Champion for Change and we thank him for his service to the community. To learn more about his organization, The Youth Corps of America, visit the website.

Events

Upcoming April Cycling Events
Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, a leader in organizing environmentally conscious cycling events, has two great events on the horizon. First, the 20th annual Holualoa El Tour de Mesa, presented by Pierson Construction Corporation, will be held on Saturday, April 2 in Mesa, Arizona. This event takes advantage of the beautiful spring weather in the desert. It’s open to cyclists of all ages and abilities, offering everything from 4-mile fun rides to 26- and 72-mile rides around Red Mountain.

Next, check out the 25th annual Holualoa Tour of the Tucson Mountains presented by the Town of Marana. This ride is also open to cyclists of all ages and abilities on Saturday, April 16. Online registration is open at www.pbaa.com. Thanks for your commitment to protecting the planet!

Teacher Day at University of Arizona
The Champions for Change Program is partnering with Tucson Values Teachers to host “Teacher Day at U of A.” This year’s celebration will focus on healthy bodies and creative minds that are central to learning.

Champions for Change, along with the University of Arizona’s College of Science, will showcase student work at the University’s Flandrau Science Center on Saturday, April 30 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Teachers and three of their family members will have free access to museums across campus. Join us in celebrating everyday champions…our teachers!

News

Sailor Begins Solo Kite-Boat Journey
Champion for Change athlete and French sailor Anne Quéméré has set sail from Lima, Peru on a solo kite-boat journey across the Pacific Ocean. Her destination is Tahiti—a trip expected to be eight to ten weeks long.

Conrad Humphreys Competes in Solitaire du Figaro
Champions for Change athlete Conrad Humphreys returns to solo sailing with the Solitaire du Figaro, an unofficial world championship of single-handed offshore racing. This race encompasses both the English Channel and the Irish Sea, covering nearly 1,695 nautical miles. More details about this fascinating race can be found on the website.

Machine Invented to Turn Plastic to Oil
In Japan, Akinori Ito has invented a machine that takes plastic waste and converts it into oil. This invention not only helps reduce plastic waste, but creates inexpensive oil that can be used in a multitude of ways. Because the machine is small and portable, Ito has been traveling to schools and developing countries to teach them how to reduce plastic waste in their communities.

To learn more about this fascinating invention, watch this short video online.

Volunteer Spotlight

Welcome Our Newest Team Captain in Chicago
Takuya Ito, or “Tito,” is the latest Team Captain to join GSA’s global drive to promote environmental awareness and action through sport.

A 9-year resident of Glenview, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, his interests include ecology, rugby, golf, scuba diving, and music. One of his first goals is to collect golf balls left in ponds and natural habitats in and surrounding golf courses in his community.

Eco-Tip of the Month

Save Energy and Sleep Better
Reduce light pollution by maximizing natural light and employing energy-saving measures. Consider how many lights you have on at any one time in your house—are they all necessary?

Remember to turn off the light when you leave a room; you’ll reduce your energy consumption and get a better night’s rest. The overuse of light, especially at night, can keep you from getting the rest you need to live an active lifestyle. Check out the Starry Night Lights blog for more information on how to reduce light pollution in your home and your community.

Partners

Supporting Women Explorers
Thank you to WINGS WorldQuest for their partnership in the Champions for Change Program and their support of extraordinary women explorers. We’d also like to congratulate founder of WINGS WorldQuest, Milbry Polk, who recently won the Anne Morrow Lindbergh Award. The award is presented annually to individuals whose work has made significant contributions reflecting The Lindbergh Foundation’s mission of balancing technology and nature. WINGS WorldQuest not only recognizes women explorers, they also offer scientific research and education.

Resource

A no-cost way to raise money for non profits.
Go to www.goodsearch.com and enter Global Sports Alliance USA as your non-profit of choice. Every time you goodsearch instead of using other search engines to surf the web, money goes to GSA (or any other nonprofit you would like to help out). Please ask your friends to do the same. It adds up fast, and is a great way to help non-profits in this difficult economy.