Tim Brady, executive director of Idaho Youth Sports Commission (IYSC), recently visited Weiser Middle School and the Recreation Department to donate supplies and gear to Weiser kids. The Idaho Youth Sports Commission is a certified 501c(3) nonprofit organization that was inspired by a dream of building a better community of coaches, parents, leaders, and officials who can educate children through sports and life lesson experiences.
The IYSC has a mission to change lives through sports, character building, and improving the quality of athletic programs in Idaho. The organization does this by providing education and training to parents, athletes, and coaches through seminars and events. They also provide financial assistance to community sports programs that are in need of help. Rural communities, like Weiser, are some of the areas in the highest demand for assistance. Rural areas have far less opportunity, resources, and smaller budgets than larger cities.
Brady spoke with the director of the City of Weiser Recreation Department, Ken Anderson, and asked if they would benefit from a donation of supplies and gear. A variety of goods were delivered: helmets, pads, pants, softballs, and tennis nets were among the supplies. Tennis coach, Melanie Price, was thrilled to learn that two tennis nets were being donated to the Weiser Middle School sports programs. Assistant Jhonna Eldridge was also present to receive the generous donation from IYSC.
Brady explained that their ultimate goal is to make a difference in the lives of children as well as adults involved in the programs. “It’s like the ripple effect,” he shared, stating that helping one child can make such a significant impact, that child can move on to impact the lives of so many others. The vision of one person grew to become an organization with a large board of directors, consisting of many talented and caring individuals with different backgrounds. Kristin Armstrong, a graduate from the University of Idaho, and a three-time Olympic Cycling Gold Medalist, is one board member dedicated to making a difference. Jake Plummer, former NFL quarterback, Greg Patton, U.S. National Team tennis coach, and many other professional, skilled, and dedicated people make up the nonprofit organization advisory and board of director’s panel.
The IYSC also provides two great scholarship opportunities, one being the Holden Scholarship. Tom Holden was a Boise, Idaho native who excelled in sports and was an Olympic finalist. He passed away in 2017 after a battle with colon cancer. Tom’s family created a scholarship in memory of him because of his love for sports. The second is the Zach Madison Memorial Scholarship, in memory of Zachary Madison. For more information on the scholarship opportunities, visit their website at IdahoYouthSports.com.
The Weiser community is blessed to receive such a generous donation of gear to the youth sports programs. Through sports, character building and life lessons are learned that forever impact individuals. With this donation, leaders, coaches, and parents can be better prepared to make a difference within our community. A big thank you to the Idaho Youth Sports Commission for believing in our rural community youth programs!
