The Taylor Hooton Foundation is proud to share the news that our President, Don Hooton, has been named on of the Top 100 Most Influential Sports Educators in America by the Institute for International Sport.
The Institute for International Sport (IIS) was founded in 1986 by Daniel E. Doyle, Jr. The basic concept of the Institute drew on Doyle’s overseas experiences in the 60’s and 70’s. While traveling in Europe as a prep basketball player, and later visiting Cuba as Trinity College’s head men’s basketball coach, Doyle recognized the power of sport to foster friendship and goodwill.
While a student at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, Doyle drafted a position paper outlining what is now the IIS. After sharing his idea with several universities, including the University of Rhode Island (URI), Doyle convinced then URI president Edward D. Eddy and then Rhode Island Governor Edward DiPrete to host the Institute. On July 1, 1986 the IIS officially opened in a one-room office and Doyle’s dream became a reality.
The Institute has gone on to establish a number of programs including the annual National Sportsmanship Day, the Scholar-Athlete Games and the World Youth Peace Summit.
The Institute for International Sport remains guided by international leaders in the academic, business, government and athletic communities. The IIS has fostered an extraordinary number of global friendships through sport, culture and education, connecting tens of thousands of people. As the Institute continues to grow in the 21st Century, the organization’s mission remains the same.
What a great honor. We are so proud of you, Don. Continue the needed work you do for our youths.
Thank you for your commitment to your mission and for saving lives. It was an honor and privilege to serve your foundation when I did. God bless your family and your future.