WHOLE CHAMPION

Whole SB LIFE & STYLE philanthropy

From World Champion to Whole Champion — Introducing a new movement that aims to positively impact the whole world

Today, we are facing the unprecedented aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic; navigating our new world order, how to rebuild, and move forward. Yet, not everyone is willing to accept the “new normal” from the sidelines. Barbara Edelston Peterson, Santa Written by Alexandra Sharova platform. It all starts with self, and I am teaching myself to ‘walk the walk.’ The message of the non-profit is my belief, it’s my legacy. Tell us about the journey of creating Whole Champion, and your book A Whole Person Makes the Whole World Better. Barbara resident and founder of the Whole Champion As the idea of the organization evolved to encompass Foundation, took the already challenging times as a a new kind of champion—a whole champion—I felt personal challenge—to be better, for the whole world. that it could make the greatest impact as an educational With the timely launch of her locally-based non-profit platform with workshops, seminars, lectures, etc. organization—which aims to make a positive difference Through the process of developing the philosophy in the world—the champion of sport has transformed and imagining the effect it would ideally have on the into a champion for the world. world, the book was born. The way the book and the What inspired you to create the Whole Champion organization’s philosophy—because a whole champion Foundation, and can you define “whole champion” is “a whole person who makes the whole world better,” for us? which is the title. Initially, the organization was geared at raising funds for top athletes. Being the mother of two elite What is your vision for Whole Champion, what athletes, and holding my impact do you hope it own world champion titles in cross triathlon, I found myself disheartened by seeing predominantly wealthy athletes “...anyone who puts forth effort to has on the world? My vision is that we inspire those who would otherwise not realize the magic, the ‘making it’ to the top level of their sport, while kids with accomplish a goal, power, of the new whole— that it takes personal extraordinary talent were forced to stop because they lacked resources. Through this experience I came to see that anyone who puts forth who steps up with focus, care, and determination, and responsibility to make a difference, that it takes awareness to understand the issues that are around us, and it takes action, getting effort to accomplish a goal, who steps up with focus, inspires others, is a involved. Our programs aim to inspire the many simple care, and determination, and inspires others, is a whole whole champion.” ways we can individually and collectively reverse the champion. It not only changed human and environmental the organization’s mission, but challenges we are facing made me realize that ‘whole’ is what’s been missing today. I hope that “whole champion” becomes a wellin the cachet of champion throughout history. Whole understood phrase and lifestyle throughout the world. is awareness, responsibility, and action. Champion is the collective effort of everyone stepping up to have In your personal opinion, what do you think a positive effect on the greater whole: humanity and the future of our world, of humanity, and the the environment. Whole Champion is a human force environment looks like? Are you hopeful? capable of changing the status quo to a revived and Yes, I am very hopeful. While it appears that science and positive existence for the world. technology can no longer save the world, I think as a What motivates you to be better—to be a Whole are going to step up in an unprecedented way and help Champion? heal the world. What drives me is that I want to be one of 7.8 billion in organization connect is the book is the basis of the result of this pandemic, and messages like ours, people the world who realizes change is possible when we are With passion and a powerful message driving the aware, care about others, and give more than we take. organization, its future and that of our world, look I want to be a leader of this philosophy, this lifestyle, bright and promising. You can learn more about the and an organization that serves as a global educational Whole Champion Foundation at wholechampion.org. *