Character Loves Company, Inc. (founded by Pete Paciorek, 2017 UF Online Sport Management M.S. graduate) is a locally focused non-profit organization supporting the growth and development of our youth. While sport is the vehicle, Character Loves Company cultivates in students, coaches, and parents virtues and character values that will enable them to be productive, caring, and respectful members of society. Humility, Teamwork, Kindness, and Grit are cornerstones of their curriculum. They are focused on serving a diverse population and providing opportunities for traditionally underserved and underrepresented communities through sport.
The mission of Character Loves Company is to positively impact the lives of local youth and individuals with special needs of all ages through the vehicle of sport. Paciorek is a doctoral candidate and working to complete his dissertation in Servant Leadership and Character Education at UMSL focused on coaching character literacy development in sport. Character Loves Company was originally formed in Florida in 2016 and is now being facilitated locally in St. Louis, MO. Paciorek has taught a graduate-level Sport Management course in “coaching for character” at the University of Florida for the past five years. The CLC model has been facilitated at local recreation centers and schools for the past seven years. Character Loves Company was recently recognized by Character.org, as the 2022 “Champion of Character in Sport” organization. Character.org is one of the world’s most recognized character-focused organizations. Each year, Character.org selects organizations from around the United States, and the world to recognize for their efforts to enhance character in the workplace, schools, home, and in the athletic arena.
This year, Paciorek was awarded with the “Champion of Character in Sport” Award by Character.org for his work with the community at Character Loves Company. At the Institute for Coaching Excellence, Paciorek continues to exhibit his dedication to community, athlete development, and holistic coaching. Pete can be pictured above with children that he has worked with in Character Loves Company. Watch Pete’s acceptance speech above or here.
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