Character Counts! Sports Conference Scheduled for October 22

October 10

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow, the University of St. Francis and Lockport Township High School along with other community schools and organizations will cosponsor the Third Annual Will County Coalition for Character Development CHARACTER COUNTS! Conference.

The conference is scheduled from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22 at the University of St. Francis Motherhouse San Damiano Hall, 603 Taylor Street in Joliet. 

Conference participants will gain skills to incorporate the CHARACTER COUNTS! initiative into their school or community sports program, which can also be utilized in business, law enforcement, or community organizations.

Local trainers will provide an overview of the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Citizenship, and Caring. They also will discuss how they can be integrated into all character development initiatives.

“Will County is full of citizens with good character,” State’s Attorney Glasgow said. “We owe it to the next generation to pass on these pillars of character and sportsmanship. These concepts aren’t just platitudes to be talked about, but values that can breathe new life into our community, both on the playing field and in our daily lives.” 

Glasgow, Will County Executive Larry Walsh and Regional Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant will welcome participants. Keynote speakers Gordie Gillespie, USF head baseball coach, and Patrick Sullivan, USF head basketball coach, will share their perspectives on “Pursuing Victory with Honor.” 

A panel discussion will include representatives from the sports programs of Lockport Township High School, Southwest Suburban Conference, Lockport AYSO-717, and Tinley Park Park District.

The cost for the conference is $50 and covers all training materials, a continental breakfast and lunch.

For more information on the conference, please call Dr. Madonna Murphy at the University of St. Francis at (815) 740-3212. To register and for payment information, please call Kathy Kleivo at Lockport Township High School at (815) 588-8301.