Peter Kouras is a cardiovascular imaging sales specialist who lives and works in North Carolina. Peter Kouras is also the father of an exceptional twelve year old daughter, Alexa. Alexa, along with her fourth grade classmates, were researching facts related to the state of North Carolina. During the research process the students discovered that the great state of North Carolina did not have an official state sport. “The fact that North Carolina did not have an official state sport really bothered these children. They decided to do something about it. They really did not like leaving the line for official state sport blank on the assignment,” chuckles Peter Kouras.
The students operated in secret in many hours of after school strategy meetings. The secrecy element was crucial because the students felt that they had such a great idea that someone else might try to take credit for it. The students decided that stock car racing should be designated the official state sport of North Carolina. This decision took a lot of research. The students explored the impact that stock car racing has on the economy of North Carolina. Students also met with members of the stock car racing community and they studied the history of the sport.
The students felt like they were in a good position to start lobbying their case. The students decided that they needed some publicity. That is when Facebook entered the equation. The students decided that they could devote a Facebook page to raising awareness of their quest to have stock car racing named the official state sport of North Carolina. “It is amazing to me how well the students organized this project. They came up with an idea and really followed through with it. Their Facebook page has over 2,250 likes,” says Peter Kouras.
The Facebook page is called, “Support North Carolina State Sport: Stock Car Racing.” The page features images of the students throughout their quest to have stock car racing named the official sport of North Carolina. The Facebook page is pleased to announce that the students’ efforts have not been in vain. The students were able to have their bill signed into law, thus making stock car racing the official sport of the state of North Carolina.
