Robert Brown is the first recipient of the Courage Award.

Honoring Courage

"One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar."             
                   - Helen Keller

Wright & Filippis has embarked on a unique sponsorship opportunity to honor athletes of all abilities. We've formed a partnership with the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame to create the new "Courage Award". This award is given to someone who's overcome a variety of challenges on their way to success and has become a positive role model in the community. The Courage Award is given to honor the tremendous accomplishments of individuals who have demonstrated achievements in sports.

A.J. Filippis (left) and Michigan Sports Hall of Fame Board Member William J. Wischman, Jr. (right)

Robert Brown was the recipient of this award at the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame this April. Brown grew up in Detroit and, despite a withered right arm (Congenital Brachial Plexopathy) he became one of Michigan's top basketball players in the later 1970's. After a severe knee injury that ended his playing career, Brown returned to the gym in 1994 as a basketball coach. His teams at Loyola High School then flourished and have won the Catholic C/D Division for six consecutive years. He was even selected as one of the national "Most Caring Coaches" in the USA Today Hit Parade Magazine in 2000.

Brown wants to make a greater difference in the lives of his students and the other young people in his community. He established United Youth 2000 in 1995. UY 2000 is a non-profit summer program that provides a safe and caring environment for boys and girls ages 4 to 17. Coach Brown wants to use basketball as a vehicle to get through to youngsters and to help them understand that hard work, dedication, determination, and desire spells success.