Hall of Famer Gale Sayers Dares Youth to Be the Best

Boys Town Boosters, athletes and fellow supporters warmly welcomed Gale Sayers, former Chicago Bear, Rookie of the Year, and three-time Most Valuable Player, as the 2010 Boosters Banquet keynote speaker Tuesday, May 4.

“There is no better investment we can make than investment in our youth,” said Sayers, whose post-NFL retirement credentials boast his accomplishments as an author, entrepreneur, college administrator, board member, community advocate and columnist.

Sayers urged Boys Town’s young athletes to set their sights beyond the average and to “dare to be the best.”

“I realize your life might not be easy,” said Sayers. “You may have unfair disadvantages you have to overcome, unexpected setbacks that make you want to quit, and even unhelpful people telling you that you can’t make it. But as someone whose path began in a housing project in Omaha, Neb., I will tell you in no uncertain terms – yes you can."

Many of the youth who become student-athletes at Boys Town have never had experience in competitive sports. For them, athletics has instilled the discipline, dedication and work ethic they need to reach goals on and off the field.

See why they are thankful for Boys Town coaches

The annual Boosters Banquet honors these Boys Town student-athletes who “dare to be the best,” for their outstanding accomplishments throughout the season. Youths Shaquil and Stephanie were named the Outstanding Male/Female Athletes of the Year for their tremendous commitment to Boys Town athletics, while Trenton and Nyabuay were presented with the Male/Female Competing with Character awards.

Boys Town alumni were also recognized with induction into the Boys Town Hall of Fame. Lee Magers (1948), Bob Mitchell (1949), John Medlock (1954), Bob Maddux (1956) were honored for their athletic achievements during their time at Boys Town.

Gale Sayers follows a long line of notable Booster Banquet keynote speakers that stretches back 40 years when Rocky Marciano addressed the event in 1969.

To receive updates on the 2011 Booster Banquet on Thursday, May 5, please contact Lindsay Paul at lindsay.paul@boystown.org.