Youth center mom is parent of the year Published Jan. 29, 2010 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A member of the 60th Force Support Squadron was named 2009 National Alliance for Youth Sports Parent of the Year by the National Association of Youth Sports Dec. 2 at a ceremony held in Orlando, Fla. Patty Karels, a school-age clerk for the Travis Youth Center here, received the Parent of the Year Award for her actions during the 2009 Travis youth sports program basketball season. When the teams coach was obligated to leave base on a duty assignment, Ms. Karels volunteered to take over. "I'm always available to help out a coach," said Ms. Karels. "I grew up playing sports, so I knew what they were going through. There's no way I was going to let a child down and go without playing a season they worked so hard toward." Ms. Karels received training from the National Youth Sports Coaches Association and became the head coach said Mo Artero, the Travis youth sports director here. "Her courage to take charge enabled their team to have a successful season," Mr. Artero said. "A Parent of the Year nominee should be someone who not only does this, but goes above and beyond the normal scope of the everyday sport parent; this parent is Ms. Patty Karels." Ms. Karels has always been a supporter of Travis youth sports. Her sons, Trevor, 15, and Zachary, 13, have participated in at least two sports each year. Along with normal team parent duties, Ms. Karels arranges snack schedules, provides an excellent phone tree system, and even organized securing trophies and a team party for season's end, said Mr. Artero. "Ms. Karels regularly makes sure that the needs of her community's families come first," Mr. Artero said. "Earlier this year the league concession stand was having trouble getting ready in time for the youth baseball season, Ms. Karels came to the rescue by organizing and operating the concession stand herself, showing Travis youth sports but another selfless act." Parents of children in organized sports play a crucial role in helping their children get the most out of their participation in team sports, while at the same time helping to keep things fun. As a parent, this involves the effort, commitment, and most of all, patience, to successfully meet their child's ever-changing needs during the course of a season, said Mr. Artero. "Ms. Karels volunteers countless hours to conducting uniform and equipment inventories, assists with player evaluations and aids other coaches during team drafts," he added. "She does just about anything she sees the need to help out with." Ms. Karels received a custom award to display at the Youth Center allowing recognition for her hard work. She was also acknowledged at the NAYS Congress for her emphasis on fun, learning and safety, treating every child with the same respect and patience, and enthusiastic support of coaches and teams, said Mr. Artero. "Patty Karels' contribution to Travis youth sports has been invaluable," Mr. Artero said. "She has helped to make our program better for all families on base."