Stoudamire Donates $250,000 to Portland Youth
December 12, 2002
In response to the recent budget cuts to athletic programs, Damon Stoudamire announced today that he will donate $200,000 to the Portland Interscholastic League (PIL) to help save spring sports in Portland area schools. In addition, Stoudamire is committing $50,000 to help educators and teachers surmount some of the issues facing the district with monetary support.
Stoudamire, a native of Portland, attended Wilson High School and led the basketball team to a 74-4 record and two state championships during his prep days.
“The state of youth sports in Portland is disturbing to me,” said Stoudamire. “For as long as I can remember, sports has played a major role in my family, and later provided for my career. Without the existence of the PIL, I may not have had the same opportunities, and my hope is to do my part to help out during this time of need.”
The PIL budget for spring sports including golf, baseball, softball, tennis, and track and field is estimated to be near $500,000.
“We are very excited about Damon’s contribution, this is a great first step for us,” said Greg Ross, the Portland Public Schools District Athletic Director. “We wanted someone to come forward and set the tone. Being a PIL grad, Damon has provided the leadership that we need to make this project successful. On behalf of the coaches, students and community we are grateful for his efforts.”
"In a time when it might seem to the young people of our community that the adults of this state are letting them down in terms of education, we owe enormous gratitude to Damon Stoudamire and his family,” said Debbie Goldberg Menashe, Board Member, Portland Public Schools Board of Education. “Not only will this extremely generous donation have an immediate and direct impact on more than 2000 high school students in Portland Public Schools spring sports programs, it will help to restore hope that adults are committed to our public schools and the value they bring to our city."
"Many children are inactive or limiting themselves to playing games on computers rather than outside or on the court, to cut youth sports would be devastating to Portland, " said Maura Cioeta, Police Activities Leagye Executive Director. “The leadership demonstrated by Damon will be the catalyst for creating a long-term plan to sustain youth sports in this city. He is investing in the future of Portland's children. When an athlete gives back to the community he was raised in it sends a message about the value of his youth sports experience”
Stoudamire continues to support a variety of charities through contributions and assistance to organizations and activities that advance growth in the areas of athletics, education, cultural enrichment, healthcare and personal development.
In response to the recent budget cuts to athletic programs, Damon Stoudamire announced today that he will donate $200,000 to the Portland Interscholastic League (PIL) to help save spring sports in Portland area schools. In addition, Stoudamire is committing $50,000 to help educators and teachers surmount some of the issues facing the district with monetary support.
Stoudamire, a native of Portland, attended Wilson High School and led the basketball team to a 74-4 record and two state championships during his prep days.
“The state of youth sports in Portland is disturbing to me,” said Stoudamire. “For as long as I can remember, sports has played a major role in my family, and later provided for my career. Without the existence of the PIL, I may not have had the same opportunities, and my hope is to do my part to help out during this time of need.”
The PIL budget for spring sports including golf, baseball, softball, tennis, and track and field is estimated to be near $500,000.
“We are very excited about Damon’s contribution, this is a great first step for us,” said Greg Ross, the Portland Public Schools District Athletic Director. “We wanted someone to come forward and set the tone. Being a PIL grad, Damon has provided the leadership that we need to make this project successful. On behalf of the coaches, students and community we are grateful for his efforts.”
"In a time when it might seem to the young people of our community that the adults of this state are letting them down in terms of education, we owe enormous gratitude to Damon Stoudamire and his family,” said Debbie Goldberg Menashe, Board Member, Portland Public Schools Board of Education. “Not only will this extremely generous donation have an immediate and direct impact on more than 2000 high school students in Portland Public Schools spring sports programs, it will help to restore hope that adults are committed to our public schools and the value they bring to our city."
"Many children are inactive or limiting themselves to playing games on computers rather than outside or on the court, to cut youth sports would be devastating to Portland, " said Maura Cioeta, Police Activities Leagye Executive Director. “The leadership demonstrated by Damon will be the catalyst for creating a long-term plan to sustain youth sports in this city. He is investing in the future of Portland's children. When an athlete gives back to the community he was raised in it sends a message about the value of his youth sports experience”
Stoudamire continues to support a variety of charities through contributions and assistance to organizations and activities that advance growth in the areas of athletics, education, cultural enrichment, healthcare and personal development.
