Oregon Sports Authority Foundation

Background:
The Oregon Sports Authority Foundation provides grants and conducts programs to support youth sports activities with an emphasis on both underserved youth and increased physical activity. The Foundation’s Reward Youth Ticket Exchange program has provided more than 12,000 deserving youth the chance to attend Trail Blazers’ games, a program that has since expanded to include the Portland Winter Hawks. The biannual Sportlandia auction has raised more than $500,000 for youth sports causes throughout Oregon, including the successful drive to save PIL spring sports programs in 2003 and PIL golf, tennis and dance in subsequent years.

In 2007, the Oregon Sports Authority Foundation served as a driving force in the coalition that advocated for passage of House Bill 3141, which establishes a minimum amount of participation in physical education for kindergarten through 8th grade public school students and is helping reverse the trend of childhood obesity among Oregon youth. The bill also provides funds for a grant program to assist schools in meeting the requirements and hiring and training PE teachers.  By requiring physical education in public schools, kids throughout the state will have the opportunity to learn healthy habits that last a lifetime – improving health and academic performance while lowering future health care costs.

Promoting a culture of healthy Oregonians through the benefits of physical activity from participation in individual and/or team athletic activities.

To facilitate increased physical activity among Oregon’s youth through sports, physical education, and related programs with an emphasis on opportunities for underserved youth through advocacy, financial support, and program creation.