BSN Sports, a division of Varsity Brands, announced a series of initiatives to allow coaches and athletic directors across the country to remain connected to, and engaged with, their teams during the coronavirus outbreak and resulting school closures.

Available free-of-charge, the programs and resources include the following:

  • Coaches’ Digital Card: BSN Sports said it recognizes there are millions of student-athletes at home, wishing they had the opportunity to compete one last time and that the coaches who inspire those kids on a daily basis are, in large measure, unable to connect and impart positivity and validation those kids need and deserve. To keep the lines of communication open, BSN Sports has created a digital card service where coaches can personalize with their school colors, mascot and images and send messages to all of their players to let them know how they feel about them, celebrate a great season or, if the recipient is a senior, the end of a great high school career. The digital card portal can be accessed at bsnsports.com/ib/ecard.
  • Coaching Clinic Virtual Webinars: BSN Sports’ coaching education clinics hosted around the country are now digitally accessible via virtual webinars.  BSN Sports said it has a team of brand ambassadors that include former gold medalist Olympians, all-American athletes and professional coaches who are available to help coaches take their programs to the next level amid widespread school closures.  In addition, coaches can receive Continued Education credit hours for attending the webinars. Upcoming clinics are scheduled for Strength (April 7) and Swimming (April 15).  The webinars can be accessed at bsnsports.com/ib/bsnwebinars.
  • Online Physical Education Network (“OPEN”): As the nation’s largest public-service organization serving physical educators, coaches and activity leaders, OPEN is available to help coaches and students deal with extended school closings.  Specifically, BSN Sports has created Home Physical Education Curriculum Resources for Grades K-12 designed specifically to help coaches plan and deliver instructional content virtually. The OPEN curriculum can be accessed at openphysed.org/activeschools/activehome.
  • Varsity Brands Believe in You Online Video Series: This free-of-charge episodic series is designed to educate students and staff about the power of believing in yourself, despite the challenges and trials that life may present. This includes lessons that possess unique relevance amid the stresses of the coronavirus crisis. Hosted by Kevin Atlas, the first Division 1 basketball player with one arm and renowned motivational speaker, the series stars personalities from around the country discussing social and emotional learning topics such as overcoming depression and anxiety, inclusion, chemical dependency, and more. Each season’s nine episodes have between 8 to 12 minutes of programming and are accompanied by a complimentary class curriculum to help students keep the conversation going. The Believe in You series can be accessed at believeinyou.com.

BSN Sports is the nation’s largest direct marketer and distributor of sporting goods to the school and league markets. Photo courtesy Believe In You series