FOX 26 KRIV 5pm and 9pm anchor Jonathan Martin has created a valuable community initiative called "Beyond the Game."
The panel of Houston leaders, from all areas of expertise, exists to inspire young people to dream beyond professional sports.
Martin, who is a former high school varsity athlete himself (basketball and track and field in his hometown of Atlanta, GA), realizes sports is a passion for many, but not something everyone can make a career.
The Houston tour launched last night Booker T. Washington High School. On November 6th, it continues at Yates High School and November 8th at Worthing High School.
I caught up with Martin to find out more about "Beyond the Game."
Mike McGuff: How did you come up with the idea for this program?
Jonathan Martin: After visiting several high schools, particularly in Houston’s urban areas, I repeatedly met young men whose sole career goal was to play professional sports. As a former athlete, I know sports can be rewarding. I also realize only a tiny percentage of athletes reach the elite level. By exposing Houston’s young men to great leaders and other possibilities, I’m hoping fewer will limit their dreams to the basketball court or football field.
Was it hard to recruit the big names who are speaking with you?
All of the panelists were eager to participate. Each of them agreed this conversation is worth having. I reached out to men in our community who are inspiring, successful, and relatable. Each panelist has a unique story that I hope will empower the students!
The panel consists of former professional athletes, like LeMarcus Newman, James Ihedigbo and Ralph Sampson III. I’ve also included business leaders like music executive Mathew Knowles, Fox 26 Vice President & General Manager, D’Artagnan Bebel, and Exclusive Furniture owner, Sam Zavary.
During the hour-long conversation at each high school, the panelists will speak candidly about their road to success, their mistakes, and encourage the young men to think bigger than “the game.”
Talk about the tagline, "beyond sports." Why is that included?
The goal of the tour is to exposure students to various paths to greatness. We’re not discouraging anyone from pursuing a career in sports. We just hope to inspire them to think broader. They can be creators, writers, or business leaders. They can own a restaurant or lead a tech company.
As my general manager D’Artagnan Bebel told me, if this tour inspires just one young man in Houston, then it’s all worth it.
What is the future of the tour?
Since I announced the tour, dozens of school leaders and teachers have reached out from surrounding districts, asking us to visit their schools. Our plan is to reach as many students as we can in Houston ISD, before expanding to others.
The following schools will be our first stops (Madison was originally on the flyer, but is being rescheduled due to testing)
Oct 31- Booker T. Washington High School
Nov. 6- Yates High School
Nov. 8- Worthing High School
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