Posted: Oct 31, 2019

GLENDALE-The Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority (AZSTA) Board of Directors has voted to award a record $3.9 million to 31 organizations that promote youth and amateur sports programs in Maricopa County. It is the largest grant total in AZSTA history.

The grants will help fund an array of projects countywide, including construction of a lighted soccer field at Avondale's Michael Anderson Elementary School, whose enrollment is almost entirely composed of children living at or below the poverty line; construction of a riding arena roof for Scottsdale-based Hunkapi Programs, Inc., which provides equestrian therapy for hundreds of people with behavioral, emotional and physical needs; and renovation of dugouts and construction of spectator shade structures at Glendale's Foothills Sports Complex.

Since its inception in 2001, AZSTA has distributed more than $23 million to help fund nearly 400 projects across Maricopa County through its Youth and Amateur Sports grants, fulfilling AZSTA's enabling legislation.

"This record-setting round of AZSTA grants, and the overall total of more than $23 million in grants since 2001, underscores the wisdom of Maricopa County voters when they approved Proposition 302," AZSTA Board Chair Doug Yonko said. "We are incredibly fortunate to have so many worthy non-profits in Maricopa County that enrich our community through youth and amateur sports programs, and we are proud to partner with them."

"We thank the 2019 AZSTA Youth and Amateur Sports grant recipients for making Maricopa County a better place to live," said Teddy Eynon, chair of AZSTA's Youth and Amateur Sports committee. "It is a privilege to support their efforts."

Grant recipients demonstrated financial need, leveraged funding, community partnerships and a benefit to a local community in Maricopa County, with priority given to youth recreational facilities that are close to public schools or benefit them. Grants were provided to organizations based in 11 communities - Avondale, Chandler, El Mirage, Fountain Hills, Glendale, Laveen, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and Wickenburg.

• Ability 360
• Alhambra Elementary School District
• Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission
• Avondale Elementary School District
• Be Kind People Project
• Boys & Girls Club Metro Phoenix
• Coyotes Curling Club
• El Mirage, City of
• Empower College Prep
• Fiesta Events, Inc.
• Fountain Hills, Town of
• Girls Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council
• Glendale, City of
• Homeward Bound
• Hunkapi Programs Inc.
• Laveen Elementary School District
• Lions Parent Club
• Miracle League of Arizona
• One Step Beyond, Inc.
• Peoria, City of
• Phoenix Christian Preparatory
• Rio Salado Rowing Club
• Saguaro Diamond Club
• Scottsdale Aquatic Club
• Seton Catholic Preparatory
• Special Olympics Arizona, Inc.
• Torah Day School of Phoenix
• Treasure House
• Valley of the Sun YMCA
• Western School of Science and Technology
• Wickenburg Unified School District

Formed as a result of voter approval of Prop. 302 in November 2000, AZSTA is responsible for owning and operating State Farm Stadium; funding tourism promotion in Maricopa County; funding the construction and renovation of Cactus League Spring Training facilities; and funding youth and amateur sports projects and programs. For more information about the Youth & Amateur Sports Grant Program, please contact AZSTA at 623.433.7500 or visit: