2018Grants1

The Foundation for Global Sports Development Pledges $1.2 Million in Grants to Youth Sports and Health Organizations

New grantee, Challenged Athletes Foundation, says the funding will allow them to provide adaptive sports equipment to youth with permanent physical disabilities.

Los Angeles, Calif. – October 11, 2018 – The Foundation for Global Sports Development (GSD) recently completed its first round of grant giving for the year and awarded $1.2 million in grants to 21 organizations.

With this set of grant awards, GSD continued its tradition of supporting underserved youth through education, sports-based, and health initiatives. David Ulich, executive board member for GSD, said, “By supporting these outstanding organizations, we remain true to our mission to promote fair play, education, and the benefits of sports for youth around the world.”

New to this year’s group of grant recipients was the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). James Sa, Associate Business Development Manager for CAF expressed his thanks for the grant, “The Challenged Athletes Foundation is tremendously grateful for GSD’s support.  The funding will be used to help provide adaptive sports equipment for youth with permanent physical disabilities.  These items—prosthetic running blades, handcycles, basketball chairs—they don’t just allow a kid to play, they provide the social environment to build competitive spirit, teach sportsmanship, and find success. These traits when taken off the court become aspiration, respect, and determination.”

Sa continued, “Beyond the physical benefits that allow these youth to overcome the ‘challenges’ their disability may produce, CAF believes that through sport, they find the means to go out and make a difference.  With the aid of the Global Sports Development Grant, we are proud to look forward to a future built by strong young men and women: whether on two legs, one leg, or two wheels.”

“We are excited to have the Challenged Athletes Foundation on board,” said Dr. Steven Ungerleider, executive board member for GSD. “They open doors of opportunity for youth with disabilities and are changing lives with their work.”

For more information and a full list of grant recipients, please visit GSD’s website at www.globalsportsdevelopment.org.