To tweet: http://es.pn/1rTjV0u
Every Young Boy’s Dream
Outside the Lines (Sunday, 9 a.m. ET, ESPN)
(Credit: DGA Productions / Aaron Frutman)
A young boy displaying soccer skills on Copacabana Beach, Rio De Janeiro
Two-time South American Footballer of the Year Neymar– the latest embodiment of Brazil’s Jogo Bonito (concept of returning soccer to its high and honorable state). He was discovered by an “olheiro” (scout) while playing on a beach nearly two decades ago and was quickly absorbed by Brazil’s soccer club development system, like many before him. With FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 approaching, Bob Ley traveled to Brazil to investigate the secret behind its seemingly bottomless source of soccer talent, and discovered a complex mosaic in which things are rapidly changing.
“After he took the ball and started dribbling, my heart started pounding because I was witnessing the birth of a new soccer star. And there it was, in my hands, a gem that needed only to be polished.” – Betinho, who discovered Neymar at the age of six
(Credit: DGA Productions / Aaron Frutman)
Bob Ley interviews a 15 year old boy whose dream it is to play for the Brazilian National team
(Credit: DGA Productions / Aaron Frutman)
A young boy displaying soccer skills on Copacabana Beach, Rio De Janeiro
(Credit: ESPN / Producer Nancy Devaney)
Bob Ley interviews Betinho, the scout that discovered Neymar
Charlotte Brown
SportsCenter (Sunday, 10 a.m., ESPN)
espnW.com (posted Sunday)
Pole vaulting is widely regarded as one the most dangerous track and field events, requiring a special blend of athleticism and fearlessness. Charlotte Brown, a junior at Rains High School east of Dallas, possess this mix and recently cleared a height of 11’3” to qualify for the state championship. What makes her story more impressive is what she doesn’t have: Charlotte is blind. Tom Rinaldi reports.
“She has certainly taken us on a journey. She has vision — unlike any of us.” — Stori Brown, Charlotte’s mother
“We were sitting on the couch one day, and just out of the blue, she said, ‘Hey, if you could have one wish, what would it be?’ And without hesitation, I said, ‘I’d give you my eyes.’ And with less hesitation, she said, ‘I don’t need ’em.’” – Ian Brown, Charlotte’s father
Semillero del Sur
ESPN Deportes (Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.)
http://youtu.be/Cv9z5uh4C4Y
The latest episode of the Destino Futbol series leading up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Semillero del Sur, profiles soccer farms in Argentina. It explores the neighborhood schools that mold soccer talent for a country among those who export the most players to prestigious leagues around the world.
College Sports Thrive Amid Downturn
ESPN.com
A look at the increase in college sports related revenue and how it is impacting college athletics over the past six years, with a focus on 2012-13. Paula Lavigne reports.
“The economic downturn that started about six years ago flattened wages and crushed jobs. But sports programs at the nation’s top public colleges have thrived: Revenues continue to reach record levels while payrolls have risen on average about 40 percent.” – Paula Lavigne
Rob King, Senior Vice President of SportsCenter and News, was one of three new members named to The Associated Press board of directors at AP’s annual meeting Wednesday in New York.
The new AP board has 21 directors who are elected or appointed to the AP board. Each director is eligible to serve up to a total of nine years. King was announced along with Bill Hoffman, president of Cox Media Group, and Isaac Lee, president of news for Univision Communications, and CEO of Fusion.
“The Associated Press has always been a treasured partner in the collection and distribution of journalism, entertainment and data,” King said. “I’m honored to have been invited to join the talented, experienced team of professionals who are advising the AP as it considers ways to better serve its business partners. My appointment simply underscores ESPN’s lofty standing in the areas of storytelling, innovation and media strategy.”
The AP is one of the largest sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers.
