Three Kent-area groups received 2020 Youth and Amateur Sports Grants from King County to help promote physical activity.
The Washington Youth Soccer Foundation received $114,659 for its King County Soccer for Success program that builds positive identity through mentoring and soccer. They partner with 13 schools in South County, including Kent Elementary and East Hill Elementary on Kent’s East Hill, to provide a no-cost after-school program. Soccer for Success supplies jerseys, socks, shin guards, and a ball to each player.
Kent Youth and Family Services received $60,000 for its Athletics Club that serves 700 youth through partnerships with King County Housing Authority, Kent School District, YMCA, and the city of Kent to provide after-school athletic programs to middle and high school youth.
Children’s Therapy Center on Kent’s East Hill received $19,000 for its Special Needs Fitness Center provides small group fitness programming designed to improve coordination, strength, flexibility, balance, goal-setting, and social skills through after-school programming.
King County announced $600,000 in grants across the county in a July 27 news release from the Department of Natural Resources and Parks. The awards range from $15,000 to $125,000. King County Parks administers the Youth and Amateur Sports Grants program and offers new grants each year. The next round of grants is expected to open January 2021.
“With people relying upon their local parks and public lands more than ever for exercise, recreation, and mental health, the work of these agencies and organizations is critical,” said King County Parks Director Warren Jimenez. “I am proud that King County can support these efforts to help youth access opportunities for physical activity and well-being during these challenging times.”
The program is funded and sustained through a 1 percent car-rental tax authorized by the Legislature in 1993. Funds can only be used for programs or capital projects that increase access to health-enhancing physical activities.
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