The MSSADA Messenger

Dear MSSADA Members,

I hope this newsletter finds you healthy and well as we look forward to the thought of the Winter statewide tournament and the upcoming Spring athletic season!

We are excited to share the information in the latest installment of our "The MSSADA Messenger", which highlights the following:d

Highlights from the NIAAA NADC in Denver, Colorado
NIAAA Scholar Essay Contest - *final reminder*
The NIAAA Section 1 Newsletter
The NIAAA's "Make-A-Wish" Initiative
MSSADA's Website
MSSADA Spring Conference Information (Hyannis, MA)
NIAAA Certification Program
Our new MIAC Representative

Our Executive Board has worked extremely hard over the past five months developing a comprehensive schedule for the return of our "In-Person" Conference, with many professional development opportunities and a celebratory awards. I highly encourage all members to register and attend, as we are extremely excited to participate!

Thank you again for all that you do for high school student-athletes, all while battling a worldwide pandemic and balancing daily challenges that have accompanied it.

Sincerely,

Francis Whitten III, CMAA

Executive Director

MSSADA

Dear Membership,

First and foremost, I hope this finds all of you and your loved ones safe, healthy, and beginning the new year with a sense of optimism. I know these are very challenging times we are facing, however I am confident that with your dedication, perseverance, and leadership we will make it through this pandemic stronger and more productive than ever. Our mission is to provide our students with the most positive possible experience in the field of educational athletics, and I know that is what all of you remain focused on achieving!

In addition to serving as your executive director, I have been fortunate enough to serve on the NIAAA's National Initiatives and Assistance Network Committee for the past four years. Each year we promote a national initiative for a highly worthy cause, seeking your support. The last three initiatives for the Red Cross, Wounded Warrior, and Tunnels to Towers have been extremely successful thanks in great part to your generosity. The National Initiative for this year is The Make A Wish Foundation. I am certain that all of you are familiar with this wonderful association.

As in the past we will be asking you to make a small personal contribution to this initiative at our state conference in Hyannis. Won't it be great to actually see everyone in person again this year! The reason I am reaching out to you today is to encourage you to take this initiative a step further. Please consider involving your student-athletes in a fundraising effort to support this tremendous cause. All of the money raised will be used to make the wishes come true for children throughout the state of Massachusetts. This provides an excellent opportunity for you to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and a knowledge of benevolent giving within your entire athletic program. By getting your coaches and student-athletes on board, they will be able to witness fulfilling experiences that will last a lifetime.

I thank you in advance for your involvement and support of this very meaningful initiative. Please see the attachments for further information and how you can make a wish come true!

Respectfully,

Fran Whitten, CMAA

Executive Director, MSSADA