RENTON, Wash – The Seahawks announced today the 2021 Seahawks Game Changers presented by Symetra, a program that engages youth and teens through interactive leadership programming and opportunities to empower their peers and communities. The Seahawks Game Changers program presented by Symetra is a partnership with the Seahawks and Boys & Girls Club of King County that helps develop youth leaders who inspire change. Participants of the program hear from a curated group of guest speakers to engage and motivate them around topics of social justice, activism, healthy relationships, and having a championship mindset.
"One of the Seahawks' key community pillars is to empower today's youth to realize their full potential – both in their lives today and as they dream about what they may pursue in the future. The Game Changers program is designed to do just that," said Jeff Richards, Seahawks Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement. "With the challenges of the pandemic in the past year, youth in our community have missed out on a lot. We are proud to be able to continue our work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County and Symetra to provide specialized programming designed to inspire and encourage these future leaders."
The program's 2021 player ambassador is Seahawks defensive back Ugo Amadi. In a letter to Game Changers participants, Amadi said some of his fondest memories from middle and high school came from meeting new classmates and teachers and being introduced to new subjects.
"I cherish the people who taught me discipline, hard work and dedication," said Amadi. He also encouraged participants to make the most of their time in the program by asking questions, getting out of their comfort zones and trying new things. "Your uniqueness is your greatest gift," he said.
As part of the program, Seahawks.com will also host web portal exclusively for participants and designated Boys & Girls Club staff to have a space where they can gather, share, and learn.
"As our clubs have stayed open throughout the last year, we have learned so much about ourselves and our teens," said Tre Beauchamp, Senior Teen Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of King County. "With schools moving virtual, so many of our members are burnt out of being on their screens. We thank the Seahawks and Symetra for creating an engaging and impactful program for our teens that they can engage in virtually. We are excited to meet Ugo Amadi and all of the amazing speakers the Seahawks have in store for us this year."
"We're proud to continue our long-time partnership with the Seattle Seahawks and bring the Game Changers program to our Puget Sound community," said Sharmila Swenson, AVP, Public Affairs, Symetra. "Symetra is dedicated to empowering youth and to supporting forums like Game Changers that help them find and elevate their voices. Now more than ever we must commit ourselves to the success and aspirations of our students."
The 2021 program will include virtual guest speaker events other Thursday through the end of the school year in June and will reconvene in the fall.
