Chris Barnard Receives New Jersey’s Heartland Hero Award
New Jersey’s Heartland is proud to announce Chris Barnard as the Heartland Hero for January and February 2024.
Barnard has been a dedicated leader in Egg Harbor City, NJ, youth sports programs ever since his children became involved with sports in their community. Since that time, as a coach for basketball, baseball, and football teams, he has been known for going above and beyond his work on the field. Barnard’s focus isn’t only about winning games. Emphasizing camaraderie and fostering an environment where his nine- and 10-year-old players can build solid relationships, he is also committed to teaching life skills the youth can build upon outside of sports.
Dedicated to cultivating the full potential of the children under his guidance, Coach Barnard sets up a positive reward system where if the players on his team practice and listen well, he will set aside time for them to have some fun, often spending his own money to buy them pizza or other snacks. Always looking to engage his players, Coach Barnard even invites his Egg Harbor City Crusaders team members to use his paintball field, helping them get to know one another in a more personal setting. And if a player ever encounters a problem related to transportation to or from a game, Coach Barnard will arrange a ride with other teammates or drive them himself.
Coach Chris Barnard’s aim has been to ensure that his players rise to their greatest potential, and he has made a tremendous positive impact on the children he has coached. Through his leadership, dedication, and support, Coach Barnard consistently surpasses the expectations of a mere coach, conveying the importance of socialization, relationship building, and developing essential life skills. By fostering a nurturing environment, Coach Barnard has played a pivotal role in empowering his players to blossom as individuals – on and off the playing field.
While New Jersey’s Heartland is filled with hidden gems, its biggest treasures are the people who make the region a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. All Heartland Heroes receive a Heartland Heroes Certificate in recognition of their award. To nominate your Heartland Hero, visit http://njheartland.org/live/heartland-heroes-nomination-form/.
NJHeartland.org is honored to recognize Chris Barnard, of Egg Harbor City, NJ, as the Heartland Hero for January and February 2024. Coach Barnard has made a tremendous positive impact on his players over the years, consistently surpassing the expectations of a mere coach. His aim has been to ensure that the children he coaches rise to their greatest potential, conveying the importance of socialization, relationship building, and developing essential life skills.
ABOUT NEW JERSEY’S HEARTLAND
Understanding the role financial stability plays in strengthening Whole Families, the Pascale Sykes Foundation funded the creation of New Jersey’s Heartland as part of its South Jersey Economic Initiative. New Jersey’s Heartland promotes the four-county region of Cumberland, Salem, Gloucester and Atlantic counties as a destination for tourism and business and a great place to live, work and play. Through NJHeartland.org and its various social media channels, New Jersey’s Heartland highlights the region’s hidden gems and treasures, venues, events, social service organizations, Heartland Heroes and newsworthy items, which in turn drives tourism, generates business opportunities and creates the jobs Whole Families need to be successful.
New Jersey’s Heartland | Atlantic County, Cumberland County, Gloucester County, Salem County
