Following their groundbreaking win at the World Series last year, the Kansas City Royals celebrated their victory at the White House today.
As the entire White House can attest to, the White House Press Secretary, Josh Earnest, was thrilled to be gearing up for their arrival:
Your 2015 World Champion Kansas City #Royals are excited to share a1special announcement from @WhiteHouse!https://t.co/itJUdquEaN
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) July 14, 2016
This visit does not come as a surprise to most, as it will be maintaining the beloved tradition of championship athletes getting the chance to meet the President and celebrate their athletic accomplishments. However, at this celebration, the Kansas City Royals will not only be heralded for their athletic victories at the White House. The President, a strong advocate of supporting youth through mentorship, will also be celebrating the Royals’ victories off the field in the local Kansas City community.
This year, the Royals spearheaded a Kansas City chapter of Urban Youth Academy, a Major League Baseball (MLB) non-profit organization that emphasizes support of the local youth community through mentorship. In April, the Royals hosted a "Relay the Way" fundraiser that introduced the initiative to the community and encouraged youth to participate in the program.
A win for the @Royals. A bigger win for our city. Thank you for helping us make history yesterday, KC. #RelayTheWay pic.twitter.com/PrLWA38OmF
— KCUYA (@KC_UYA) April 4, 2016
We’re not just making baseball history. We’re also making the future brighter for Kansas City youth. #RelayTheWay pic.twitter.com/Jz5HVTFZ73
— KCUYA (@KC_UYA) April 3, 2016
Due to popular demand, more #RelayTheWay spots have opened. Sign up and make history: https://t.co/Rvtnu9ekUB https://t.co/voX3GHXUQ3
— KCUYA (@KC_UYA) March 24, 2016
President Obama has made mentorship a priority for his Administration, and the cornerstone of his My Brother's Keeper initiative launched two and a half years ago. My Brother's Keeper, much like the aim of MLB's Urban Youth Academy, is about making sure all young people – no matter who they are where they come from – have the tools they need to achieve their dreams.
"That's what 'My Brother's Keeper' is all about. Helping more of our young people stay on track. Providing the support they need to think more about their future. Building on what works – when it works, in those critical life-changing moments." —President Obama, February 27, 2014
Earlier this year, the President showed America what mentoring looks like in action, when he met up his friend, and occasional mentee, NBA MVP Steph Curry.
16 million young Americans want a mentor and don’t have one. The data shows kids with mentors make healthier choices and have great success. If you want to make a difference, be your brothers and sister’s keeper and support the President's mission, sign up to be a mentor here. Mentorship is a powerful opportunity to shape the future of our country: when youth are empowered to succeed, our nation succeeds.
Dana Frayne is an intern in the Office of Digital Strategy.