JC Sports Foundation awards grants

The Johnson City Sports Foundation has awarded more than $20,000 in grants to 14 area nonprofit youth service organizations.

The grants were provided by proceeds from another successful season of the foundation's management of the Johnson City Cardinals, the 2010 Appalachian League champions.

Despite another year of economic challenges, the Cardinals' successful season allowed the foundation to again reinvest the team's excess revenues in educational and athletic programs for local youth.

"Once again we are privileged to have the opportunity to financially contribute to these organizations that serve the youth in our community," foundation President Mark Fox said. "After several years of consecutive giving, the economy has proven that these funds will not always be guaranteed, but we are still happy to give back."

With the recent grant awards, the foundation has contributed more than $280,000 to the community since taking over operations of the Cardinals in 2004.

"This success would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and Johnson City Cardinals fans," Fox said.

The 2010 JCSF grant recipients are the David Crockett High School cross country team, Girls Inc., Girls on the Run, Good Samaritan Ministries, Johnson City American Little League, Johnson City National Little League, the JCSF Internship Program, Johnson City Babe Ruth Baseball, Jonesborough Little League, Milligan College baseball, Mountain View Elementary School, Science Hill High School baseball, Science Hill High School wrestling and Unicoi County High School baseball.

Herman Rice, president of the Johnson City American Little League, said the league is greatly appreciative of the support it has received from the foundation over the past several years.

"The Johnson City Sports Foundation grants have meant a tremendous amount to our league over the years and have allowed us to make upgrades to our facilities and equipment that our budget would typically not allow. These upgrades are very important to continue to provide a safe environment for the kids in our league. We are very thankful for our partnership with the foundation and for what they do for the entire community," Rice said.

A ceremony recognizing the 2010 grant recipient will be held prior to the Cardinals' home opener on June 21.

For information on how to help support the foundation and the Cardinals, including advertising space at Cardinal Park, season ticket purchases and volunteer opportunities available during the 2011 season, call the Cardinals office at 461-4866 or e-mail info@jccardinals.com.