Athletics

Amaechi to give lecture on the power of sport

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa -- Former Nittany Lion basketball star John Amaechi will return to Penn State to give a free lecture on the power of sport to transform society at 7 p.m. Oct. 15, in the HUB-Robeson Center Auditorium on the University Park campus.

Citing his personal experiences, charitable foundation and his work with the London Organizing Committee of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, he will discuss how companies, charities and philanthropic organizations can find ways to use sport for good.

Amaechi, who has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, was recognized as All-Big Ten (1995) and a two-time Academic All-American (1994 and 1995) at Penn State. The first openly gay former NBA player, his New York Times best-seller "Man in the Middle" underlines the importance of being true to yourself and provides distinct lessons to anyone ever told that they didn’t fit the mold or weren’t capable of great things.

After retiring, Amaechi pursued a doctorate in psychology and has become a highly regarded speaker, addressing blue chip corporations throughout Europe and the US. His message springs from the belief that self-knowledge and the way we communicate sits at the heart of individual and team success. In his talk, he'll challenge people to look inside themselves to identify and leverage their own strengths and encourage business leaders to create a culture that allows employees to be themselves and recognizes what language resonates with different people.

The lecture is being presented by the Penn State All-Sports Museum and the Penn State Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equity. The Penn State All-Sports Museum is currently celebrating its 10th year honoring the achievements of the men and women who have built the proud tradition of Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. Located at the southwest corner of Beaver Stadium, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is by a suggested donation of $5 for adults and $3 for children, seniors and students.

Credit: Amaechi Performance SystemsAll Rights Reserved.

Last Updated January 9, 2015

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