Montgomery County councilmembers unanimously approved separate special appropriations to support the Youth Sports Initiative during a session on Tuesday.
Today the council passed more than $1.5 million dollars in funding to support the Youth Sports Initiative which is designed to bring sports programming to underserved youth and families in our community. @albornoz_gabe @RicePolitics @MoCoRec #youthsports pic.twitter.com/mUNYtj6XFx
— Montgomery Council (@MoCoCouncilMD) September 15, 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly impacted youth sports, as these organizations are experiencing severe revenue losses. Concerns still exist about the future of youth sports, especially for children from families with low-incomes.
The $1,550,000 million special appropriations funding will support Montgomery County Recreation and the Office of Community Use of Public Facilities. It will also support community-based organizations to help address the disparities faced in youth sports participation among underserved youth.
“Ensuring that all youth have access to the benefits of recreational sports is the goal of this appropriation,” said Councilmember Craig Rice.
One special appropriation will allow $500,000 in grant funding as well as $50,000 to carry out the initiative to the Montgomery County Collaboration Council for Children, Youth, and Families. The funds will help to deliver sports programming to youth from families with low-incomes through organizations located in Montgomery County. Grants can go up to as much as $15,000.
Montgomery Recreation will receive a special appropriation of $500,000 to provide affordable youth sports leagues and activities in underserved communities. The Office of Community Use of Public Facilities will receive $500,000 to reduce usage fees of fields and buildings for youth sports programs. More information can be found here.
Councilmember Gabe Albornoz requested an internal analysis from the Office of Legislative Oversight on youth sports participation in Montgomery County. His goal is to help determine how to bridge the disparity gap among underserved youth.
“Growing up, sports played a huge role in my development and has helped me pilot life transitions with confidence,” he said. “As a parent, and chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, I want our youth in Montgomery County to experience the same positive impact that I did.”
