Sports4Kids-CA

Today, I had the honor of speaking at a Senate hearing on behalf of the Play Equity Fund, powered by LA84 Foundation. It was a privilege to advocate for equitable access to sports and play for all children, a cause close to my heart. Engaging with policymakers and stakeholders about the importance of physical education and play was not only inspiring but also a call to action. The discussions were enriching and reinforced the impact of community engagement in shaping a healthier future for our youth. Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey and to the Senate for the platform to voice the critical need for play equity. Let’s keep pushing boundaries and making sports accessible to every child. Thank you Fernando Ramirez, Renata Simril, Senator Josh Newman, Kevin Demoff, Derek Fisher, Edgar Cabral, Playworks, Fred Barrera, Renata Simril, UC Berkeley School of Public Health

🎉 We were so excited to start our clinics at Chollas-Mead Elementary School yesterday! 🏀 ⚽ With 30 amazing kids already signed up for our program, we're ready to bring the fun and benefits of sports to the students. ❓ Did you know that California is home to over 6,600 Title I schools? Chollas Mead is one of the Title I schools in California, which means it receives extra federal funding to support students from low-income families. However, despite this additional funding, many of these schools still lack the budget for Physical Education (PE) programs and don't have dedicated PE teachers. We are proud to help fill this gap, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to play, learn teamwork, and stay active. Thank you to our supporters that help fund our programs including The Aspen Institute DICK'S Sporting Goods, Lucky Duck Foundation, Starbucks Special thanks to Vincent Minjares, Ph.D, Mike Brooks, Matt Diaz, Serhat Pala, Zeynep Ilgaz, Drew Moser, Greg Anglea, Kevin Dunn for their continued support and guidance.

Last Friday I completed the Wharton Global Youth Program, and what an exhilarating two weeks it has been! Teamed up with inspiring co-founders, we embarked on the thrilling journey of building a startup from scratch. From brainstorming innovative ideas to crafting our pitch deck, the experience was nothing short of transformative. Presenting our concept to the entire camp was a standout moment—challenging yet incredibly rewarding! Throughout the program, we delved into a series of lectures that explored the nuances of startup culture, equipping us with valuable insights into the entrepreneurial landscape. These lessons have not only broadened my understanding but have also ignited a passion for innovation and leadership within me. We also meet various inspirational guest speakers including, Joel Podolny, Matt Rosenberg, and Jenny Maxwell. As I reflect on these two weeks, I'm filled with gratitude for the knowledge gained and the connections made. Ready to take on the future with new skills and a fresh perspective! 

Thank you to the STARBUCKS FOUNDATION for your support - we are so grateful to receive this grant

Last Friday, Ryan Matyas, part of the San Diego Legion, visited Perkins Elementary. Ryan, a former San Diego Legion Rugby player, coached, motivated, and inspired the students at Perkins Elementary. Ryan ran rugby-related drills and games with the students, building teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship. I am so grateful to the San Diego Legion and Ryan for your time and the hope they instilled into so many young minds.

I had the privilege of attending the 36th Annual Peacemaker Awards with my mom, Zeynep Ilgaz, organized by the National Conflict Resolution Center. The evening was a vibrant celebration of community solidarity and the remarkable achievements of those honored. Heartfelt congratulations to the Lucky Duck Foundation, Drew Moser, Will Shea, and the Lucky Ducklings, recipients of the Local Peacemaker Award. Their dynamic approach to combating youth homelessness through education, volunteering, and fundraising is making significant impacts. Bravo to the San Diego Women's Foundation for being recognized with the Philanthropy in Peacemaking Award. Your tireless efforts continue to inspire and light the way for others! This year's National Peacemaker Award went to Eboo Patel, whose dedication to building bridges across diverse communities is truly praiseworthy. The theme "Many Voices, One Future" perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the evening, reinforcing the idea that our collective voices can forge a united and promising future.

We are so honored and proud of our son, Arden Pala, the founder of Sports4Kids-CA, who has received a proclamation from The City of San Diego for his work supporting individuals and youth facing homelessness. From feeding the homeless to introducing low-income and homeless youth to sports opportunities, Sports4Kids-CA, along with its youth volunteers, have: ❤️ Introduced more than 600 kids to youth sports ❤️ Positively impacted the lives of over 7,500 individuals ❤️ More importantly, through these programs, youth volunteers have generously contributed 8,000 hours of service to the homeless population in San Diego. A special thank you to San Diego City District 5 Councilmember Marni von Wilpert for recognizing Arden's work with this prestigious honor . #YouthLeadership #CommunityService #Sports4Kids #MakingADifference

Volunteer of the Month: Sabrina Lara We're proud to spotlight Sabrina Lara as our Volunteer of the Month! Sabrina's unwavering dedication and compassion have left a lasting impact, brightening the lives of countless individuals within our community. Read more about her here: https://lnkd.in/d-dbXfqe