THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB LAUNCHES ‘THE AKC JUNIOR MENTORSHIP PROGRAM’
Program is designed to encourage, support, and educate youth participants.
Raleigh, NC- The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest dog registry, leading industry authority and advocate for dogs, is proud to announce the launch of the AKC Junior Mentor Program.
The goals of the AKC Junior Mentor Program are to provide Juniors just entering the sport or those looking to sharpen their skills (mentees) with a positive role model and friend who will help them on their journey to become an accomplished Junior; and, to provide experienced Juniors (mentors) the opportunity to improve their own skills while sharing their experiences. Mentors will provide advice and support in topics such as handling, grooming, proper dress and behavior, sportsmanship and more. Participating in the Junior Mentor Program as a mentor or mentee counts toward the number of activities required to become a Junior Ambassador, a program that recognizes Juniors for being active in the sport.
“A mentor program is a great opportunity for Juniors actively involved in AKC events to assist new young people in AKC Events,” says Mari-Beth O’Neill, Vice President of Sports Services.
The Juniors Program offers children between the ages of 9 and 18 years of age an opportunity to compete in Conformation, Obedience, Agility, Rally, Tracking, Hunt Tests, Herding, Field Trials, Earthdog, Lure Coursing, Coursing Ability and Coonhound Events. Children participating in these sports and events develop their handling skills, learn about good sportsmanship, dogs, and dog events.
“I am excited to see how many new Juniors will be supported,” states Leslie Fetzer, Director of Education. “The Junior Mentor Program is a great opportunity to showcase excellent sportsmanship.”
To learn more about the AKC Junior Mentor Program or the AKC Junior Ambassador Program, including how to sign up to be a mentor or mentee, please visit: https://www.akc.org/sports/juniors/
###
About the American Kennel Club
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org.
AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Become a fan of the American Kennel Club on Facebook, follow us on Instagram @AmericanKennelClub, and follow us on Twitter @AKCDogLovers
Show Comments