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Richard Gomez: Chumash Tribe supports youth through sports
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Filed Under: Opinion | Sports

"Children need inspiration and physical motivation as they are growing up, and sports are a great way to provide both.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, participation in organized sports provides an opportunity for young people to increase their physical activity and develop physical and social skills.

We agree, which is why we recently approved a donation through our Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation to Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation. Our $85,000 donation will cover half of the refurbishment costs for the Santa Ynez High School tennis courts.

This is just the latest project where our foundation and the Youth Recreation group have partnered to match funds and complete projects that benefit the youth in our community.

In existence since 1955, the Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation organization raises money through its annual queen campaign and has provided funding for a large majority of the recreational fields in the Santa Ynez Valley. Youth Rec is also responsible for the original tennis courts at the high school that were built more than 25 years ago.

Our tribe has always emphasized the importance of a solid academic education (more than 100 tribal students in our scholarship program currently attend universities, colleges or trade schools), but we also encourage children to participate in school sports. We recognize that involvement in sporting activities builds character, teaches students how to be great team players and prepares them for the competitiveness that they will face in the world."

Get the Story:
Richard Gomez: Building leaders of tomorrow through sports (The Solvang Valley News 2/17)

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