Kumite Classic is proud to support the Hines Ward Positive Athlete program Pittsburgh, PA.

What is Positive Athlete?

Positive Athlete is a group of high-character professional athletes teamed up to promote the benefits of “positivity” to young athletes around the world. These athletes believe it is crucial to begin shaping the futures of young athletes for life skills beyond athletic competition. www.positiveathlete.org and our Facebook page are designed to tell positive stories about the kind of role models our young athletes should aspire to be.

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Hines Ward has played 14 years in the NFL, won 2 Super Bowls and has been named a Super Bowl MVP

He has plenty of reasons to smile and that is what makes Ward a perfect choice for an organization called Positive Athlete.

“My nickname growing up was Mickey Mouse because I loved playing football and I’m always happy all the time,” Ward said.

For Ward, a positive attitude is as natural as eating, sleeping and breathing.

“It symbolizes something. To the guys who tackle me, I think it’s more demoralizing for them, seeing they put a crushing hit on me and I get up smiling. Then, at the same time, for the people watching me, they are like ‘Man, that guy really enjoys playing football,’” Ward said.

“Made me sit in front of the class, she pulled my pants up every time I walked into the classroom, pulled up my shirt and tucked my shirt in. She was like, ‘You know what? You are a leader here – regardless of – you may not want to be, but you are and I want other people – I want you to send a positive message to your peers,’” Ward said.

Positive Athlete is not just a football thing and it is not just for boys. The athletes believe it is crucial to shape life skills of young athletes.

“I wasn’t even the most talented guy on my football team. There were a lot of guys who had more talent. I just think their negative attitude and the ways they blamed everybody for their mistakes, I think is what separated us,” Ward said.

SEVEN DEFINITIONS OF A POSITIVE ATHLETE:

1. Optimistic Attitude – Most coaches will tell you that an athlete who believes positive things will happen has a greater chance for success.
2. Encouraging Teammate – In every sport, teammates are going to experience some kind of failure. Positive Athletes are the first ones to encourage them.
3. Servant Leader – Positive Athletes do not think about being the “stars of the team.” They lead through serving others first and by setting an example.
4. Heart for Others – Many athletes are blessed with gifts that many others are not. The Positive Athlete seeks to help the less gifted or fortunate.
5. Admits Imperfections – This is Positive Athlete…not Perfect Athlete. Athletes willing to admit they make mistakes gain the respect of teammates and fans.
6. Always Gives 100% – Not every athletic competition goes as planned, but a Positive Athlete always gives 100% no matter what the scoreboard says.
7. Puts Team First – There are times when personal achievement may hurt the team’s goal. Positive Athletes choose their team.