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One kid.
one team.
one powerful bond.

We believe that children and the athletes can learn life lessons from each other. We want them to draw inspiration, to never quit, to never give up, to be driven by passion, to be empowered by being part of a team, to know that they are in this fight together, to have hope and share in building character in sports and in life. We want them to live the life of a CHAMPION!

Our Vision

Both athlete and child will learn from and inspire each other, creating a greater feeling of purpose that will impact our community and develop future leaders. The child will have the chance to be a part of a sports team and in return, the athletes will discover the benefits of helping others.

Our Mission

To develop champions by creating a special bond between children with medical conditions and/or disabilities with local athletic teams as they inspire each other. 

Board of Directors
Kyle Miller
Kyle Miller
Executive Board, Past President | Audit Director with FORVIS, LLP

Serving on the CCK board is important to me because as a child so much of my personal pride and friend group came from the various sport teams I was a part of and I believe it is important that all kids get the opportunity to experience the enjoyment and pride that being a member of a team provides.

Eric Lankford
Eric Lankford
Executive Board, Past President | Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at BancorpSouth

As somebody that played sports from t-ball all the way through college, I know the value and lessons learned from being part of a team and Champions Committed to Kids provides this experience to so many kids that would not have this opportunity otherwise.    

Callie Carroll
Callie Swafford
Executive Board, President | VP, Business Development & Shareholder Relations; Old Missouri Bank

I wanted to be a part of CCK because I believe everyone should have the opportunity to be a part of a team. Through athletics we all can feel a part of something much bigger than ourselves!

Rosemary
Rosemary Lewis
Executive Board, Secretary | Community Volunteer
I joined the CCK Board when the program first started and believe strongly in our mission. A key reason I have continued to serve on the Board is that CCK focuses on local and regional kids who are navigating challenges in their lives. Champions Committed to Kids has a positive impact on the child, their family and the sports teams. Each child has the opportunity to feel special, be recognized and part of a team.   Not only does each CCK child benefit, but the program teaches the individual athletes to give back to their community and be inspired to make a difference.
Justin head shot
Justin Stockam, CPA
Executive Board, Treasurer | Tax Manager / FORVIS

My most cherished memories and friendships growing up always centered around sports.  I joined the CCK board to ensure every kid receives that same opportunity to make lifelong memories and friends.

Michal-Moss-Early2
Michal Moss Early
Executive Board, Member-at-Large | Intellectual Property Manager at Digital Monitoring Products

While some may focus on what our kids can’t do, I like to see what they can do and how being on a team impacts their life. Our partner teams also benefit by being exposed to real life challenges that are far bigger and more important than the sports world.

Jerry Wright
Jerry Wright
Executive Board, Vice President | Member-at-Large| Director of Supply Chain & Logistics, Cennox

Two of the very things that are close to my heart, sports and kids, come together for the benefit of all involved. I realize the responsibility and pride kids learn from being part of something that is bigger than themselves, a team.

Stephanie Edwards
Stephanie Edwards
Board Member | Real Estate Agent with Jim Hutcheson Realtors, Inc.

It’s a heartwarming moment to watch a CCK child meet the athletes as an individual, and witness both to grow and be teammates during the season. In a society of “Me” and “I”, the athlete and child learn it’s about “We.” Special friendships are formed in unlikely circumstances through Champions Committed to Kids.

Nacy Ryerson
Nacy Ryerson
Board Member | Ed.D, M.Ed. Dean of Schools, Founder EnCompass Academy

I am honored to serve on the CCK Board of Directors, driven by the belief in the transformative power of sports and life lessons. Drawing from my experience as a collegiate athlete and current role as an educational administrator supporting marginalized and underserved populations, I am committed to fostering teamwork, resilience, and passion to build champions in sports and life.

Marty Marsh
Marty Marsh
Board Member | Assistant Executive Director, Missouri State High School Athletics Association

CCK participants may never get to experience what it is like to physically compete on a team because of their disabilities, however, it is my hope they get to experience team membership and establish friendships that will last a lifetime.

Jason
Jason Michel Ed.D., CMAA
Board Member | Assistant District Athletic Director Springfield Public Schools

As a coach and athletic administrator I know the benefits of being a part of a sports team. To provide an experience for kids to have teammates and coaches in a sport they love is why I wanted to be a part of CKK. This organization helps create memories for children that will last them a lifetime.

Stacy
Stacy Robertson
Board Member | CFO, Precision Fire Apparatus

CCK has provided an unbelievable opportunity for my son to be a part of the Missouri State Ice Bears and to develop some tremendous friendships.  I want to be able to help provide other kids this fantastic opportunity!

Natalie_Nunn_Headshot
Natalie Nunn
Board Member | On-Air Talent at Zimmer Communications

I’ve witnessed first-hand how lives can change for the better through the power of sports. CCK is not only changing the lives of their athletes, but also the lives of the team members they are a part of. It’s an honor to be a part of the team making it all possible.

Britton Jobe
Britton Jobe
Board Member | Lawyer

I wanted to be a part of CCK so I could join others who are also committed to providing all kids with the countless benefits of team sports. This organization opens the door not only for the children who now have the opportunity to be on a team, but for their teammates as well.

AdamC-14
Adam Carpenter
Board Member | Real Estate Agent at Alpha Realty

Being a former collegiate athlete and coach, I understand how big of an impact athletics, and the relationships built through athletics, has on a person’s life.  As a board member for Champions Committed to Kids, I have an opportunity to use sports as a way to help kids, families, and teams in our area build relationships that are life changing.

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Darren Harralson
Board Member | COO, O'Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC

All 3 of my sons were active in sports growing up, with me coaching most of their teams up until school ball started, and I reflect on the countless memories, great lessons, and lifelong friendships that were formed through that, not only for my sons, but also for me as parent.  It is an absolute shame that many kids and their parents don’t have those same opportunities due to no fault of their own.   After I learned more about the vision of CCK, it became clear that was the focus, and it was a perfect fit for me.

FOUNDERS
Jeff Collins
Jeff Collins
Founder, President of Missouri Winter Games, Motivational Speaker

CCK was started with the purpose of changing sick kids lives through the power of sports. With CCK life lessons and relationships are built between athletes and their new teammates!

Todd Edwards
Todd Edwards
Founder | Owner of Lloyd's Dry Cleaners

Every child deserves happiness.  It’s inspiring to witness the CCK program bring these kiddos, who face daily obstacles, out of the corner and place them into the spotlight.  To see their face light up and their confidence soar as they are now part of a team, is life changing for both the child and athlete.

EVENTS
TOUR DE CRAWDAD
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Date: April 2026

Wire Road Brewery, Springfield, MO

FALL SIGNINg
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September 3rd, 2025

The Barley House

3060 N. Kentwood Ave

Springfield MO 65803

CONTACT US

 

Contact us today to inspire and develop champions by creating a special bond between children with medical conditions and disabilities with local athletic teams.