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Let's go Pens!

4/19/2019

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​When you're as big a Penguins fan as our friend Michael, there's no place you'd rather be on a Thursday evening than cheering on the Pens as they defeat the Detroit Red Wings 4-1. 

With an interest in sports broadcasting, it was a special evening for Michael when he received the invitation to attend a Penguins game as the special guest of Pens broadcaster, Steve Mears. 
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Michael and his dad received two tickets to the game, as well as a behind the scenes look at the broadcasting booth, and a view into the world of professional sports broadcasting. Michael toured the booth with Steve, asked questions, and learned a bit about what it's like to work in pro hockey. Michael was surprised that Steve has so much homework to do before each game, although he said he "didn't think his homework was so hard because it was about something so fun"-- when you love what you do, "work" doesn't feel so much like work.

Michael had a great time meeting Steve Mears. He was really impressed by Steve's broadcasting set up and enjoyed learning about a field that interests him as a career.  His favorite part of the evening was getting to watch the game from his amazing seats in The Club.  Michael said Steve definitely has the best seats in the house!
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Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

6/22/2018

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Tuesday was a gorgeous night for a ball game and an exciting day​ for CCChampions kids Austin and Sean! When asked if we knew anyone that would want to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Pirates game, we knew just who to call. 
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Two-time champion over cancer, Austin, threw the first pitch of the game to fellow cancer defeater and close friend, Sean. Cool, calm, and collected, the boys didn't bat an eye at the pressure of being in front of thousands of people. They have been through much tougher situations together. 
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After a flawless first pitch, the boys, along with Austin's grandmother and Sean's dad, got to enjoy the game from incredible seats in the Lexus Club, while the rest of the families and CCChampions friends watched from the stands, complimentary or AT&T SportsNet. 

​We even managed to get our hands on a foul ball! 
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Austin and Sean are both alumni of the CCChampions program. Austin, who wants to be a star athlete, was matched with the Carlow men's basketball team. Sean, who wants to be a sports broadcaster, was matched with the Pirates own broadcaster Joe Block.
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Austin and Sean were featured in an article by Noah Hill. Check out his story here! 

And a special thank you to AT&T SportsNet for making this experience possible!

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Attention: Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball is Just Around the Corner!

1/26/2018

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Sean is a 15 year-old from Pittsburgh, and he is a serious sports fan! As soon as we met him, he told us that he wanted to be a sports broadcaster. He had gotten some practice announcing girls volleyball games at his high school and he knew it was what he wanted to do for a career. Luckily, we had the perfect role model for Sean - Pittsburgh Pirates broadcaster and play by play announcer, Joe Block!

On their first visit, Joe and Sean spent over two hours chatting about EVERYTHING - from sports, to broadcasting careers, to school. Joe told Sean about how he got started and the broadcasters who helped him along the way. He even shared some secrets about how he gets familiar with the players before games and gave Sean some tips about what he could do to start preparing for his own career in broadcasting.

Sean and Joe are anxiously awaiting baseball season, where they hope to spend some time together in the press box announcing games and cheering on the buccos!

For those of you who were at our Night of Inspiration this past September, Sean might look familiar since he was our emcee of the night and did an OUTSTANDING job! He is definitely heading down the right career path!
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Introducing your emcee...

9/8/2017

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When we were planning the 3rd annual Night of Inspiration, an idea dawned on us. What if we asked Sean to emcee the event?

Sean, a 16-year-old in CCChampions, wants to be a sports broadcaster when he grows up. He couldn't wait to be the voice of the event! We've got walkup songs for all the kids receiving "Inspiration Awards," and Sean will be introducing everyone baseball-style. Please join all the kids and role models in CCChampions on Thursday 9/28 by getting your tickets at www.CCChampions.com/inspiration!

Who's excited?? 
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Connecting Champions
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  • Our Friendships
  • About Us
    • What We Do
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • Recognition
  • Ways to Help
    • Refer a Child or Young Adult
    • Newsletter
    • Volunteering
  • Events
    • March to Friendship
    • Pittsburgh Marathon Charity Team
    • Night of Inspiration
    • JLM Masquerade Ball
    • Toast to 250 – The next chapter
    • Holiday Toy Drive
  • News
  • Contact
  • -Give-
    • Make a Donation
    • Donate an Activity Kit