In a world where the tireless dedication of nonprofit organizations can go unnoticed, we take immense pride in shining a spotlight on those who have made extraordinary contributions to our community. The Impact Award, a symbol of appreciation and recognition, recognizes the potential of collaborative efforts that aim to uplift our youth and transform lives through athletics and education.
This year, we celebrate the outstanding work of Elite Sports Academy (ESA) as the recipient of the 2023 Impact Award. ESA has not only demonstrated unwavering commitment to our community but has also exhibited remarkable achievements in fostering inclusion, growth, and efficiency in their operations.
ESA’s mission revolves around addressing three critical needs that our children face in the Portland community. They recognize the lack of accessible high-quality summer camps and childcare options for children in under-resourced communities. ESA has eliminated these barriers, offering a state-of-the-art program at no cost, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
In a world where technological distractions increasingly dominate our lives, ESA has recognized the importance of physical activity for our youth. Their programs encourage kids to stay active for up to five hours a day, instilling the foundations of a healthy lifestyle and countering the alarming statistics of childhood obesity.
In 2022, ESA enrolled 925 children in their in-person and online summer programs. These children benefited from free meals, scholarships, physical activities, and the choice between in-person and virtual camp experiences. In addition to these essential services, ESA continued its tradition of providing Thanksgiving groceries and holiday presents to low-income families, all made possible through their dedication and the support of grant funding like the Impact Award.
ESA’s growth over the last three years has been nothing short of spectacular, with increasing enrollments, staffing, and scholarships each year. Their decision to establish ESA Virtual in 2020, providing a safe and enriching space for kids to learn and play from home, demonstrates their adaptability and commitment to serving the community.
As we recognize Elite Sports Academy with the 2023 Impact Award, we celebrate their outstanding contributions to our community. We look forward to witnessing their continued success in transforming the lives of children in the Portland community, and we are proud to stand beside them as part of their team.