About us
the history of the key players project
The original concept for Key Players Project was conceived in the front office of the Boston Celtics during a conversation between Todd Crosset of the University of Massachusetts and Wayne Levy, former Community Relations Director of the Boston Celtics.
They took the idea to members of the Springfield community. The thoughtful efforts of Kamari Collins, Kristin Deitz, Amando Diaz, Lisa Smith, Rev. Watson, Wanda Givens, Carla James, Tony Pettaway, Reggie Wilson and Tamara Cox shaped the original idea into what is now the Key Players Project. They are the founders of the Key Players Project.
The objective of the Key Players Project is to honor men of color who are quietly contributing to children and to increase the awareness of the many contributions these men are making in the Springfield community. Men of color are rarely acknowledged for the work they do with children and are often unfairly stigmatized.
The Key Players Project is part of an undergraduate course in the Sport Management Department at the University of Massachusetts. In addition to course work, the students are required to administer the Key Players Project and to work with youth in Springfield at community centers through out the fall semester.
Click here to find out more about the course and Key Players Project.
Through the Key Players Project, children in the community nominate men making a difference in their lives. Community leaders and past Key Players select 10 Springfield area men who will serve as ambassadors. The recipients are honored at a half time ceremony during a Boston Celtics home game, as well as a UMass Minutemen game at the Mass Mutual Center and at a reception for the ambassadors at the Montenia's Restaurant.