NEW YORK -- As Michelle Kwan chats with members of Figure Skating in Harlem, she sees a whole lot of herself in the young girls. Air Max 97 Undefeated China . And those girls hope to emulate Kwan. The nine-time U.S. champion and five-time world winner has been active with the inner-city club almost since its inception in 1997. She was honoured Monday night at the FSH gala for inspiring the hundreds of young girls who have been in the program. "Michelle is the perfect role model for our students with the way she conducts herself as a person, as an athlete, as an employee of the state department," FSH founder Sharon Cohen said. "Her career and life show where hard work and perseverance and talent can take you." Kwan, a two-time Olympic medallist , now serves as a senior adviser for public diplomacy and public affairs and as an envoy at the Department of State. Her husband, Clay Pell, is running for governor of Rhode Island. Kwans success in and out of sports didnt come easily, and she can recall times when she was in a similar situation to some of FSHs students. She received grants from U.S. Figure Skating and from the Womens Sports Foundation during her formative years as a skater -- at a time when Kwan and older sister Karen werent sure they could continue in the sport. "These underserved young girls get an opportunity to skate they otherwise might not have," Kwan said. "My personal background, both Karen and myself ... our parents were not well off. To be able to afford a used pair of skates and hand-me-downs in costumes and other stuff, I remember that vividly. "Imagine if one of those times you have to tell your kids, We cant afford it. I can relate to that. "And these young girls benefit so much. It really is about the skills you learn from sports. Physical activity, being with friends, teamwork, but also the discipline it takes, the hours of dedication, being able to concentrate on one thing at a time. You have to learn in life how to juggle things; being a student-athlete is the same as in life." Kwan began her day with a visit to Haverstraw Elementary, a school in suburban Rockland County, where she spoke to fifth graders who just happened to be studying her career. She stressed the importance of opportunity, education and empowerment -- all themes Figure Skating in Harlem embraces. Then Kwan headed to Wolman Rink in Central Park, where dozens of her peers were on hand to not only honour her, but to skate with the youngsters aged 6 to 18 who make up FSHs roster. Olympic medallists Scott Hamilton, Sasha Cohen, Tim Goebel, Paul Wylie, Gracie Gold, Ashley Wagner, Jason Brown and Jeremy Abbott showed up to support Kwan and Figure Skating in Harlem. "Our students learn through the education programs and our skating program of the importance of working hard and asking for help when you need it," Cohen said. "They see the changes in themselves that this leads to, in their confidence and in their abilities to achieve their goals. "Someone like Michelle gives them an incentive to work hard because they see the rewards, the personal rewards, that Michelle embodies. She exudes sportsmanship and grace and an inner drive, as well as outer success. Michelle worked to be the best she can be in all aspects, and anybody can learn from that. She carries herself with such assurance and grace. Those are traits that will help anyone succeed in this world." Air Max 97 Shanghai . Born in Berkeley and raised in Oakland, where he later pitched for the As, Ross beat the Giants for the first time in six career appearances by throwing eight scoreless innings to lead the San Diego Padres to a 2-1 victory Friday night. Nike Air Max 97 Plus Sale . The United States clinched the final berth into the Ford Worlds, March 28-April 6 at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax, on Saturday in Blaine, Minn. http://www.outletairmax97.com/nike-air-vapormax-97-metallic-gold.html . According to a report from ESPN, sources said Manuels college coach Jimbo Fisher told teams he didnt think Manuel had the tools to be an NFL starter.HOUSTON - Top overall pick Jadeveon Clowney is expected to play for the Houston Texans this weekend against the Tennessee Titans.I would be surprised if I didnt play, Clowney said Thursday.The outside linebacker returned to practice last week for the first time since having arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. He wasnt quite ready to play on Monday night against Pittsburgh, but feels better now and believes hell be on the field on Sunday as the Texans try to snap a three-game skid.Clowney is still experiencing some discomfort in his knee, but thinks thats just something hes going to have to deal with this season. He was asked if he thinks hes close to where he was before the injury.I have no clue right now, he said. I always feel like I can be better than I am now. So who knows, well see around game time.The rookie isnt concerned about nerves as he prepares to play again, but he is a bit concerned about other things after missing the last six games.I wont be nervous or jittery, he ssaid. Cheap Air Max 97 Mens. Ill just be out there trying to remember what Im supposed to do on different assignments.If he does play, coach Bill OBrien has said it will be in a limited capacity. Whitney Mercilus has been solid filling in for Clowney and OBrien said hell still get playing time when Clowney is back.Were not going to put him back in there and play 70-80 plays, OBrien said. Hes going to kind of (be) eased back into the rotation anyway. Whitney will still be out there, but that will be a competition ... you dont just hand it to a guy coming off of six weeks being out, especially when the other guy has played pretty well.Clowney, a former South Carolina standout, was injured in the season-opener on Sept. 7 and had surgery the next day. It was the third injury for Clowney since he was drafted in May. He had sports hernia surgery in the off-season and suffered a concussion during training camp.___Online:Online: AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL ' ' '