BE A CHAMPION, INC. was founded in 2001 as a way of reaching out to under-privileged youth in the Houston area through sports, education, and through motivational speaking. BE A CHAMPION, INC. was started by two former offensive linemen for the University of Houston, Jaron Barganier and James Hong. Barganier and Hong both felt that athletes should be positive role models for young people and wanted to provide a program to help facilitate a way for athletes to give back. The mission of BE A CHAMPION, INC. is to use sports mentoring, motivational speaking, education, and community service to enhance the development of our youth regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or creed. We hope that by doing so, our program will improve society as a whole, giving young people a chance at a better future.