Recognized as one of the most prestigious awards in the country, the Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup is presented to six distinguished athletes: one male and one female professional or Olympic, one male and one female collegiate athlete, and a male and female from the American high schools, for their character and leadership both on and off the field.

Universally regarded as one of the finest human beings to ever grace the world of sports, his character, conduct, and selfless gifts stand at the highest level by any standard, the 21st Annual Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup is represented by a star-studded field of winners behind its name, such as, Roy Williams, Vince Dooley, Drew Brees, Tim Tebow, Pat Summitt, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Nancy Lieberman, Dick Vitale, Payton Manning, Cal Ripken, Jr. Mia Hamm, John Smoltz, and other notable stars.

When Coach Wooden learned about Athletes for a Better World, he gave authorization to attach his name to this annual award, and he attended and addressed the inaugural event in Los Angeles in 2005.

Athletes For a Better World (ABW) was founded in June 1998.  The organization arose out of a need for positive mentoring of young student-athletes in the sports marketplace.  As a result, ABW staff, and members have been working to create a sports environment where student-athletes, coaches, fans, and parents provide leadership that make an identifiable and measurable difference in society.  ABW has a commitment to the positive values of discipline, integrity, respect, cooperation, and compassion which form the cornerstone of our existence.