Southern California Organizations Receive Over $1.7 Million in Grants from Youth Sports Foundation

The LA84 Foundation has announced a significant investment in youth sports programs, awarding over $1.7 million in grants to 18 organizations. These grants are aimed at improving access to sports, play, and movement for thousands of children across Southern California.

One of the recipients, Backcountry Communities Thriving in Julian, San Diego County, received a $95,000 grant to support sports programs for 500 youths in the area. The funding will go towards renovating the local school district’s facilities, including upgrades to the weight room, cardio room, tennis and pickleball courts, and a practice golf course. This is particularly important as 21% of Julian High School’s population is identified as having special needs.

Another recipient, Best STEP Forward in Imperial County, received $160,000 to support adaptive sports programming for youth. The organization offers daily adaptive sports and structured play activities like baseball, soccer, dance, and soapbox racing for children with specialized needs.

Renata Simril, president and CEO of the LA84 Foundation, emphasized the importance of sports in youth development, stating that the grants will make sports accessible and enjoyable for kids across the region, regardless of income or geography. The grants ranged from $15,000 to $225,000 for organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of Buena Park, which will use the funding for organized sports activities.

Overall, these grants will support a wide range of sports programs, including soccer, swimming, squash, tennis, running, basketball, and volleyball, benefiting thousands of youth in Los Angeles and Orange counties. The investment in youth sports is seen as a crucial element in promoting teamwork, physical and mental health, and overall youth development.