Leading Industry Heavyweights Gather to Discuss Diversity in Sports

On Thursday, June 8, The National Association of Black Sports Professionals (NABSP) hosted a panel discussion addressing the importance of diversity in the sports industry.

New York, NY (PRWEB) June 28, 2006 -- On Thursday, June 8, The National Association of Black Sports Professionals (NABSP) hosted a panel discussion addressing the importance of diversity in the sports industry. Sponsored by the New York Times, the panel featured Black sports industry leaders who offered advice, suggestions and challenges to the capacity-filled room.

Brian Custer, Sports Anchor, SportsNet New York, moderated the panel and panelists included: Kenneth G. Gordon, Jr., Legal Counsel, ESPN, Charles White, Vice President, International Media, NFL, Wendy Lewis, Vice President , Strategic Planning for Recruitment and Diversity, MLB, and Len Elmore, President/Interim Executive Director, National Basketball Retired Players Association.

Attendees, representing numerous organizations in the sports and entertainment industries, left the lively discussion inspired and motivated about increasing opportunities for minorities in sports through traditional paths as well as emerging career paths, such as supplier diversity and entrepreneurship. This was the first national event for NABSP and served as a successful kick-off for NABSP membership, which opens on July 1.

“I am truly excited about the success of this event. It is an example of the type of high level professional development programs and services that will be offered by NABSP,” says Kristi Stepteau, Founder and Chairman of NABSP.

ABOUT NABSP
The National Association of Black Sports Professionals (NABSP)is a national professional association organized to provide a foundation for enhancing diversity in sports by Connecting, Educating, and Empowering Black sports professionals. NABSP is headquartered in New York and will have local chapters in cities across the country.

Some of the programs and services offered by NABSP include an executive mentoring program, career resource center, and a job bank. In addition to educational and professional development programs, the Association will work to establish a presence in local communities through various community outreach initiatives that encourage and foster youth sports industry interest beyond the playing field or court.

For more information about NABSP, visit www.NABSP.com, or call
1-866-475-2477.

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