PHOTO GALLERY: Former Pro Athletes, Olympic Medalists Talk Ethics with Local Students

Parents and children gathered to hear pros talk about ethics in athletics at Attea middle school April 28.

By Philip Downie
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April 29, 2011

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Former Bulls player Dickie Simpkins (left) signs an autograph for Alex Marziani after the panel discussion on athletics and ethics.

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Mark Walther, Principal of Hoffman Elementary, welcomes guests to the panel discussion and introduces the panel members. Walters is a co-chair of "Character Counts!".

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"Character Counts!" co-chair Jim Bream started the discussion by asking the audience, "how many times have you been at your child's game and heard something terrible come out of another parent's mouth?"

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"Character Counts!" is a national group of over 535 organizations, dedicated to building character in children and adults.

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Olympic Silver Medalists Brian Hansen (left) and Bob Berland offered insight into how Olympic athletes experience issues of ethics.

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Pat Fitzgerald, head coach of Northwestern's Wildcat football team, said of excessive boasting on the playing field, "that's selfish behavior and kids need to be taught against that".

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Former Bear, Dallas Cowboy, and San Fransisco 49er Jim Schwantz told of how he learned to be a humble professional athlete from his idols once he made in to the pros. He stated many players are not as lucky, and sometimes the success can go to their heads.

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Former Bulls player Dickie Simpkins, Former Bears linebacker (and current Mayor of Palatine) Jim Schwantz, Olympic medalists Brian Hansen and Bob Berlund, and several others gathered at Attea middle school Thursday night to discuss the role of ethics in athletics. "Character Counts!", an organization dedicated to building character in children, hosted the 2-hour event.

Around 100 people came out to listen to the discussion, many parents bringing their own young athletes to learn a thing or two from those who have been there, done that. Participants were asked a variety of questions, ranging from "what is your favorite sports memory?" to "is excessive boasting on the playing field a problem and what can be done about it?" A question an answer session followed the discussion.

Above, check out photos from the night's panel discussion.

Related Topics: Athletics, Bears, Brian Hansen, Bulls, Character Counts, Chicago Bears, Ethics, Jim Schwantz, and Philip Downie

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