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Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders Conference

Sev-Ira' Brown on what makes this conference different

For fifteen years, the Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders (ERSL) Conference has been held in numerous cities in the South, primarily at a Historically Black College/University (HBCU). This year the conference will be held February 17-18 in Atlanta, Georgia at Clark Atlanta University. Clark Atlanta offers a unique campus environment, a great cultural experience for those who have never experienced life on an HBCU campus, and an outstanding chance to network with professionals and students interested in recreational sports as a profession.

The conference was created to prepare student leaders and young professionals as they take on the task of guiding others to live, work and play in a multicultural society. The ultimate goal of the conference is to develop and encourage conference participants to consider health, wellness and recreation as a career option.

From my personal experiences, having attended the conference since 1997, I have met many aspiring young professionals and students whom I have networked with, mentored and befriended. I’ve watched these individuals grow, and many have entered the field of recreational sports and are outstanding leaders today.

The conference environment is different than that of a national or regional conference. This conference seems to be more laid-back and a little less formal. It’s got that "old down-home feeling," if you know what I mean. Great people, great food, great information and great networking opportunities are the main draws.

The quality of the presentations is exceptional, providing job and life skill development along with leadership information that conference participants can use in so many different ways.

The ERSL Conference is a forum for information exchange, education, discussion, critical communication and positive dialogue for those interested in the field. The conference is meant to renew and foster relationships with HBCUs and student leaders who consider recreational sports a viable career option. The conference is also designed to provide an opportunity for students to acquire the proper tools to make a difference in the lives of others.

Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders, each one of you, in large or small ways, has a hand in shaping the future. Some have an official title in their role as leader, while others may lead their brothers, sisters, or friends on the playground or in our gyms.

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to join conference coordinator Demond Pryor and conference host Devin White, along with the many outstanding professionals and emerging student recreational sports leaders, on February 17 at Clark Atlanta University.

Hope to see you in Hot-lanta next month!

Sev-Ira' L. Brown
Syracuse University
Region I Vice President