San Bernardino, CA - On Saturday, January 31, 2026, the National Sports Association of Wellness & Mental Fitness (NSAWMF) officially launched its Jus Be Great™ initiative, with an exciting and impactful Community Kickoff, at the San Manuel Stadium - home of the Inland Empire 66ers - drawing more than 150 youth athletes, parents, coaches, and community leaders for a first-of-its-kind mental fitness experience in the Inland Empire.
The morning began with a private pre-reception, where NSAWMF honored five Inland Empire coaches whose leadership and dedication have shaped generations of young athletes: Leroy Sanchez, John Mosher, Carlton Austin, John Hill, and Harrison Cole. Coach Leroy Sanchez played a formative role in the athletic and personal development of NSAWMF Co-Founders Sammy and Gregory Knight, highlighting the lasting impact of mentorship and leadership beyond the field. Each coach was recognized for their lasting contributions to youth sports and for the role they have played in developing character, confidence, and discipline far beyond competition.
During the opening program, NSAWMF paused for a Stewardship Moment to reflect the organization’s commitment to legacy and community investment. Introduced by Sammy Knight Jr., the moment featured Sammy Knight Sr., father of Sammy and Gregory Knight, who presented a $3,000 contribution from the Knight Family Foundation to the Riverside Sports Hall of Fame, in honor of the coaches recognized. Austin Quick and Stan Morrison accepted the donation on behalf of the organization, highlighting the importance of preserving and celebrating the region’s sports legacy.
“This moment represented everything Jus Be Great™ stands for,” said Sammy Knight Jr. “We are honoring the people who poured into generations of young athletes, while reinvesting directly into the institutions that protect and celebrate that legacy. This is what stewardship looks like in action.”
Following the pre-reception, the main kickoff program began, welcoming youth athletes and families into the Jus Be Great™ interactive experience, bringing mental fitness to life through movement, challenge, and real-time coaching. Led by NSAWMF Co-Founders Sammy Knight Jr., Gregory Knight, and Dr. Jei Pearcey, with support from trained volunteers, youth participants engaged in hands-on activities designed to help them understand pressure, reset to focus, and emotional control, self confidence and nutrition in ways that felt relatable and engaging.
Sammy Knight Jr., a former12 year12 year NFL veteran and veteran and All-Pro, worked directly with athletes through competitive resilience and mindset-based exercises, demonstrating how high-pressure moments can change perception and how focus is a skill that can be trained. For many participants, the opportunity to learn directly from a former professional athlete added a powerful layer of inspiration and credibility to the experience.
In parallel, parents and coaches participated in a dedicated workshop led by clinical sports performance psychologist, Dr. Jei, with support from Knight Jr.. They focused on supporting athlete mental fitness, confidence, and long-term well-being. The session provided practical tools for reinforcing healthy identity, emotional regulation, and resilience both on and off the field.
The event concluded with additional interactive experiences centered on identity, self-confidence, nutrition, and wellness, reinforcing NSAWMF’s core belief that mental fitness is not reactive, but a proactive and trainable foundation for performance and life success.
“The energy throughout the stadium was incredible,” Gregory Knight added. “Seeing more than 150 people fully engaged, kids learning, parents asking questions, and coaches leaning in, it confirmed that this work is needed and that our community is ready for it.”
Through Jus Be Great™, NSAWMF continues to expand its mission to make mental fitness accessible to athletes, families, and coaches nationwide. Those interested in supporting the movement or becoming part of the association can learn more, join, or make a contribution by visiting www.nsawmf.org.
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About the National Sports Association of Wellness and Mental Fitness
The National Sports Association of Wellness and Mental Fitness (NSAWMF) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization advancing mental fitness as a core pillar of athlete development, performance, and lifelong well-being. Through evidence-informed education, systems-based programming, and community engagement—supported by philanthropic contributions, institutional partnerships, and community collaboration—NSAWMF equips athletes, parents, coaches, and institutions with practical tools to strengthen resilience, performance, and leadership in sports and life. Learn more at www.NSAWMF.org.