The Morris Educational Foundation (MEF) plans to host the first part of its annual Parent Education Series on Tues., Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. at Morristown High School in Morristown.
John O’Sullivan is a former collegiate and professional soccer player who has spent the past two decades as a coach at the youth, high school, and college level. Through his professional and personal experiences, he recognized that the modern day youth sports culture has evolved into an ultra-competitive, adult-centered enterprise that is failing our children. He also discovered that 70 percent of kids drop out of organized sports by the age of 13. O’Sullivan founded the Changing the Game Project in 2012 in order to raise awareness of this issue and work towards giving youth sports back to our kids. With the latest science and research, he provides actionable steps to help kids develop character and a positive mindset while also creating an environment that teaches positive core values and life skills rather than focusing on wins and losses, scholarships and professional aspirations.

Following his presentation, O’Sullivan will participate on a Q&A panel with two guest panelists from the community; Smitty Horton the Athletic Director at Morristown High School and Dr. Damion Martins, the Director of Orthopedics & Sports Medicine for Atlantic Health System. 

For Morris School District parents who are unable to attend the evening program, a special “Meet the Author” session will be held from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. in the Morristown High School Learning Commons. In the afternoon, Horton will host a roundtable discussion between O’Sullivan and members of the Morris School District coaching staff to identify ways to bridge the partnership between home and school in helping students to be happy and healthy while achieving success in sports and in life.

“We are pleased to continue our Parent Education Series by bringing another world-renowned expert in the parenting field to the greater Morristown community,” said Kim Pistner, Chairperson of the MEF.
The evening event is free and open to the public. It is intended for parents with children of all ages who participate in any sport or extracurricular activity. O’Sullivan will also be signing his book, “Changing the Game,”
which will be available for purchase at a discounted price of $10. Light refreshments will be provided by T.E.A.M.  (The Education Association of Morris).

To register for the event or pre-order the book, visit the MEF’s website at www.morrisedfoundation.org. For questions about the event, contact Jennifer Rocco (jenniferrocco@verizon.net) or Debra Broseker (dbroseker@yahoo.com).