Congressional Youth Sports Fest: A Celebration of Young Athletes and Wellness
Congressional Youth Sports Fest: A Celebration of Young Athletes and Wellness
The FundPlay Foundation is gearing up for the highly anticipated Congressional Youth Sports Fest, set to occur on May 15, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Rayburn Office Building in Washington, D.C. Scheduled during National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, this event aims to underscore the crucial role youth sports play in creating healthier, more resilient communities and enhancing lifelong wellness.
This exciting festival promises insightful remarks from influential politicians such as Representatives Marc Veasey and Jake Ellzey, both of whom have been champions for youth sports and physical fitness on Capitol Hill. They co-chair the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports and are dedicated to advocating for programs that encourage children to engage in sports and physical activities. Rep. Veasey emphasizes, “Youth sports are more than just games. They teach teamwork, discipline, and leadership. I am honored to support this event and encourage my colleagues to join us in championing opportunities for all young people to get active and thrive.”
In a recent development, FundPlay Foundation has announced that they will integrate the advocacy efforts of the PLAY Sports Coalition into a formal program known as the PLAYS Initiative. This year's Congressional Youth Sports Fest will feature booths and activities from several founding supporters of the PLAYS Initiative, including prominent organizations like LeagueApps, TeamSnap, Players Health, and Triple Crown Sports. Participants will enjoy interactive activations hosted by the National Football League and Washington Wizards, along with a variety of other leaders in the movement to boost youth sports participation nationwide.
Jared Cooper, the Executive Director of FundPlay Foundation, expressed excitement about the event, stating, “We’re incredibly excited to host this year’s Congressional Youth Sports Fest and grateful for the leadership of Representatives Veasey and Ellzey. Their commitment to expanding access and opportunity for all kids to play sports is inspiring, and together we’re building momentum to ensure every child can experience the lifelong benefits of play.”
The FundPlay Foundation itself is a dedicated non-profit organization focused on leveling the playing field in youth sports by ensuring that every child has access to top-notch sports experiences, irrespective of their background or location. With three primary program pillars—technology and data services, community-building, and advocacy—the Foundation empowers youth sports organizations, particularly those serving underserved communities, to streamline operations, collaborate effectively, and unlock essential funding.
Since its inception, the FundPlay Foundation has facilitated over 300,000 unique youth sports opportunities, granted free software licenses to more than 225 organizations, and, through its advocacy initiatives, secured more than $35 million in funding for youth sports, fostering a movement aimed at making sports accessible for every child.
This upcoming Congressional Youth Sports Fest is not just an event; it's a testament to the collective effort in uplifting youth sports and creating opportunities for future generations. By highlighting the significance of sports in youth development, the Fest is paving the way for healthier lifestyles and robust communities.
As we look ahead to this promising event, we invite everyone to participate and join in the celebration of youth sports, health, and community spirit.