Since the launch of the Stein Eriksen YSA Opportunity Endowment in 2014, the Youth Sports Alliance has awarded more than $1,000,000 in scholarships.
The endowment’s need-based and merit scholarships enable local athletes pursue their aspirations on snow and ice, as well as higher education.
The YSA Stein Eriksen “Dare to Dream” Scholarship program assists athletes who face financial barriers while training with member clubs such as the Park City Figure Skating Club, Park City Ice Miners Hockey, Park City Ski & Snowboard, Park City Speedskating Club, Utah Olympic Park Skeleton and Bobsled, Wasatch Freestyle, and Wasatch Luge.
Athletes under the age of 21 who grew up practicing with a local club and are not fully supported when named to a national squad are also eligible.
The initial $2 million was raised by a fundraising committee led by Jim Gaddis, one of the Youth Sports Alliance’s founders. Despite giving out more than $100,000 per year, the endowment continues to grow because to gifts at JANS Winter Welcome and stewardship by the YSA Board of Directors, according to authorities.
Jim Gaddis, chairman of the Stein Eriksen YSA Opportunity Endowment fundraising committee, said: “Stein once said to me, ‘If you can take a loss the same way you take a victory, then you have what it takes to be a champion.’ Stein’s legacy to our community is giving kids the chance to learn the important lessons of sport and life, a project that Stein continued to advocate for through his final days. This endowment is a promise to Park City’s youth that they will have financial support to chase their dreams.”
Another component of the scholarship program is the $3,000 merit scholarships offered each year to a graduating senior from Park City High School and the Winter Sports School. This award is merit-based, with an emphasis on academic achievements and community involvement. Graduating seniors must have trained with one of Youth Sports Alliance’s seven teams for at least three of their four high school years and have a minimum 3.5 unweighted GPA.
Emily Fisher, executive director of the Youth Sports Alliance, said: “Surpassing the $1 million mark in scholarships is testament to the incredible impact the Stein Eriksen YSA Opportunity Endowment has had on the lives of young athletes in our community. These scholarships are not just financial assistance. They are a gateway to dreams.”
The Youth Sports Alliance is a non-profit organization established in Park City dedicated to providing children with access to sports and leisure options. After-school programs are run by YSA to introduce all children to sports and good lifestyle activities. In YSA activities last year, nearly 2,400 children learned new skills and met new connections.
In addition, the foundation provides sports clothing, equipment, teaching, and transportation.
