Promote Youth Play

The next few days are critical to the children in our community who need safe, quality youth sports fields on which to play and compete.  For the last several weeks, citizen parks and community initiative bond committees have met to recommend projects for funding in the City’s $550 million bond election in May.  The committees have proposed allocating a total of $14.05 million to soccer fields and amenities for the youth of our community.  For a project overview, click here.

Thanks to everyone who wrote e-mails and letters to Mayor Hardberger and City Council members asking for them to approve the recommendations. We also appreciate your letters to the editor of the San Antonio Express-News.  Your voices have been heard.  Keep the correspondence going!  To view a sample letter that you can send to City Hall, please click here and follow the links.  Until February 15th, the bond language or projects can be altered by City Council.  

Once the final bond projects are set, all of us will have to get out and vote.   The Sports Foundation promises to keep you an informed voter!

On another important note, we are thrilled with the response to the 2007 San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame Tribute. The volunteer committees have done an incredible job. There is still a chance to get a table or a ticket. See the details below.  Don't be left out of the fun! Join in making more history at the Alamodome on February 16th. 



Dr. Susan Blackwood
Executive Director

Sports Foundation Board Member Honored

San Antonio Sports Foundation board member and orthopedic surgeon David R. Schmidt has been honored with the United States Sports Academy’s (USSA) Dr. Ernst Jokl Sports Medicine Award.  The award is given annually to an individual for his or her contributions to the growth and development of sports medicine through practice and/or scholarly activity.  It is named after the former Olympic athlete, international sports medicine scholar and director of the University of Kentucky Rehabilitation Center.

Dr. Schmidt is president and partner of Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio.  He serves as team physician for the NBA San Antonio Spurs (along with Dr. Paul Saenz).  He and his colleagues at Sports Medicine Associates are team physicians for the WNBA Silver Stars, Missions baseball, AHL Rampage hockey, Trinity University, and more than 30 local high schools. They also have a Saturday morning sports clinic which attracts injured high school athletes from across South Texas. All athletes are treated regardless of their ability to pay.  Athletic trainers also come to the clinic where they can observe and earn continuing education credits.

For the past 20 years, Dr. Schmidt has been a clinical assistant professor at his alma mater, the University of Texas Health Science Center.  He was instrumental in initiating “Sports Medicine Perspectives,” an elective program for medical student that introduces them to what sports medicine is all about. 

He and his partners opened the Texas Center for Athletes (TCA) in December.  Dr. Susan Blackwood, a member of the USSA’s board of visitors, will present the award to Dr. Schmidt in March at the grand opening of the TCA.

San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame Tribute    

The San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame Tribute is fast approaching, so make your reservation today! Five of San Antonio’s most impressive sports names will be inducted into the SA Sports Hall of Fame on Friday, February 16. Inductees include football greats Ty Detmer, the only San Antonian to win the Heisman Trophy, two-time Super Bowl winner Darryl Grant and Super Bowl veteran Willie Mitchell. Joining them are professional golfer Shirley Furlong and legendary St. Mary’s University basketball coach Buddy Meyer.

Also being recognized are the San Antonio Express-News 2006 Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year.  They are Frank Martin, founder of the Kids’ Sports Network and NCAA champion gymnast Ashley Miles.  The Sports Foundation will present its annual Salute Award, to Frost Bank.

A few of the great auction items up for bid at the Tribute are:

• A football autographed by 15 Heisman Trophy Winners, including inductee Ty Detmer

• A fabulous trip for two for a White Wing Dove Hunt in Mexico. Enjoy a stay on the Rio Grande and a one-of-a-kind hunting opportunity.

• A gourmet dinner for 20 people in your home prepared by Chef Michael Bomberg. Enjoy a night of fine wine and dining which will include live entertainment.

Along with the auction items mentioned, are plenty of destination travel packages, golf outings, eye-catching jewelry, and Spurs packages.  Remember, all proceeds support the Sports Foundation’s youth initiatives which provide sports and fitness opportunities for more than 160,000 local children each year.

Reservations are still being taken; so don’t miss this opportunity to honor these great athletes and celebrate their achievements. Make reservations online by clicking here or call Gretchen Garceau-Kragh at 820-2109.

NAIA Swimming and Diving Championships
in San Antonio

The 51st Annual Men's and 27th Annual Women's NAIA Swimming and Diving National Championships are coming to San Antonio’s own Palo Alto College Natatorium, 1400 Villaret, on February 28 - March 3, 2007.  Over 300 student-athletes and coaches from across the country will compete for both individual and team titles.

Parents, take your young swimmers to see these outstanding student-athletes in action! Tickets range from $5-$40 and are available at the door.  

Click here for more information or call 210-921-5234.

Be a Part of March Madness®—In Style!

Luxury suites are now available for the 2007 NCAA® Men’s South Regional.  There are two options for your hospitality needs.  If you already have tickets to the games and are just in need of a private venue to host guests for refreshments during half times and between games, then a party suite is the deal for you.  If you have not already purchased your game tickets, you might consider a luxury box that includes all-session passes and a great view of the court for a total game experience.  Call Elena Stout to reserve your suite today, 210/820-2127.

Download ticket application here

SALOC’s Glory Road

Former Boston Celtic great and team member of the 1966 National Championship Texas Western University basketball team, Nevil Shed, treated the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee (SALOC) guests to a special program that highlighted his Final Four memories and experiences of being depicted in the 2006 movie, Glory Road.  Nevil joined forces with SALOC Chair, Pat Frost at the AT&T Center’s Terrace Club on January 18 to share with invited guests the importance of hosting an NCAA Final Four in San Antonio.  A special thanks to Frost Bank for hosting the luncheon and Spurs Sports & Entertainment’s Russ Bookbinder for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Spurs’ locker room and facilities.

If you are interested in future fundraising special events for SALOC’s Final Four® efforts, please contact Elena Stout at 210/820-2127.  

NCAA Tournament in Austin

Catch the best in women’s hoops in Austin as the University of Texas hosts the first and second rounds of NCAA Championship D-I tournament play on March 17 & 19.  Tickets are available by phone at 512-471-3333 or online at TexasBoxOffice.com.

GoGirlGo! San Antonio Deadline February 9

All grant applications for GoGirlGo! San Antonio are due in the San Antonio Sports Foundation office (100 Montana, Alamodome – 3rd floor) on or before February 9, 2007 by 5:00 pm. If you think you have a great girls’ physical activity program that could use a boost or if you want to start a new program, the GoGirlGo! San Antonio grant might be for you.

Don’t miss this opportunity to earn money and take your San Antonio girl-serving program to the next level. Applications can be mailed or hand-delivered. All applicants will be notified of grant decisions by May 16th. For more information, call Anna Gomez-Vazquez at 820-2102 or e-mail her at agomez@sanantoniosports.org.

Child & Coach Bond through Dreams for Youth

When you first meet Rene Guerra, Jr., you’re captivated by the engaging smile of this high-energy 8-year old.  The third grader participates in gymnastics and team handball at the Dreams for Youth after school program at Southside ISD.  Rene does not appear to have any limitations until you occasionally see his mother signing instructions.  Rene can’t hear and has been deaf all his life.  But that has not proved to be a limitation. 

He has been in Dreams for Youth for three years, and his parents say participating in the program has given Rene an outlet for his energy and has given him discipline.  “He loves it,” says his mother, Katherine.  “He respects his coach (Sharon Martinez) and pays attention, and he has a lot of fun!” 
Rene lives in the Southside school district, but attends Five Palms Elementary in South San ISD because it has a deaf education program.  His former teacher there, Patrice Horner, says Rene’s attitude is always positive.  “I’ve never seen Rene give up or quit with anything.  He’s happy to be there and participate.”  She points out that gymnastics is a great sport for Rene because the instructions are visual. 

Asked what he likes most about the Dreams for Youth program, Rene smiles broadly and signs, “I REALLY like coming here…and I really like the coach!”

Terrell McCombs

“In my opinion, there is no good reason not to become a member of the San Antonio Sports Foundation.”

These are words of advice from Terrell McCombs, vice president of procurement at McCombs Enterprises, and membership chairman for the San Antonio Sports Foundation. McCombs has been part of the Foundation since 2005 and feels privileged to hold such a position.

 “Being a member of the San Antonio Sports Foundation is important to me because it is important to the city of San Antonio and its citizens,” said McCombs. “The Sports Foundation impacts over one-third of the local children by teaching them nutritional and recreational benefits. It is important to reach out to such young people early in life, because they are more likely to carry these good habits into adulthood.”

McCombs also notes the positive influence that the Foundation has on San Antonio’s economy by bringing national sporting events to the area as well as creating new local events. McCombs strongly urges others to become a member and help serve as the backbone of such a great organization.

 “Without membership, the Foundation would cease to exist. Every current member has an obligation to encourage another to join. Membership is a great marketing and networking opportunity for those who join to promote their business. Also, a lot of people don’t realize that the San Antonio Sports Foundation is involved in many behind-the-scenes activities. It’s exciting to have an inside look at these activities that benefit the city of San Antonio.”

The San Antonio Sports Foundation thanks Terrell McCombs for his enthusiastic service and looks forward to a great year for its members!

You can join the Sports Foundation! Just click here and learn how.

Champions Club
Individual Members at $1,000+

Dr. Lawrence Anderson; Gary & Shelia Arthur; Rich Attkisson; Scott Beckendorf; Col. George Becknell; George P. Becknell, III; Morton Baird; Sam Barshop; Ralph Bender; Ed Benninger; James Blackwood; Susan Blackwood; June Bratcher; Tim Brierty; Howard Burris; Jim Callaway; Jeff Clark; Ross & Laura Davis; James Doyle; Alan Dreeben; Jim Dublin; Charlie Ebrom; Steve Edlund; Donald Engelhardt; David Fevsdahl; Lisa & Frank Fichtel; Pat & Kelley Frost; Dr. Jamie Garza; Claude Gilmer; William Greehey; Joe Guinn; Bill & Marcia Hanson; Cheryl Haywood; Scott Hefner; Scott Helbing; George C. Hixon; Peter Holt; George C. Hixon; Michael Imbimbo; Steve Isom; Mary & Chuck Japhet, Gary Joeris; Stacey Johnson; Michael Jourdan; Dr. Gary Lawton; Michael J. Lynd, Jr.; Greg & Leigh Ann King; Lowry Mays; James Mickey; Phil Miner; Bob & Laura Raymond; Tom Reardon; Marty Roos; Dr. Robert Schnitzler; Dr. David Schmidt; George Scofield; Daniel Simons; Dr. Earl Smith; Steve Souter; Michael Stoltz; Steve Stroud; Richard Wade; Neill Walsdorf, Jr.; Carri Wells; Jeff Wentworth; Robert Wright, Jr.; Paul Young

Corporate Champions

City of San Antonio; AT&T

$50,000

IKON Office Solutions; San Antonio Express-News; Time Warner Cable; Valero Energy Corporation

$20,000

Pepsi Bottling Group; San Antonio Coca-Cola Bottling Co;

$10,000

Budget Car & Truck Rental; Corporate Travel Planners; Enterprise Rent A Car; Flemming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar; Langley & Banack; Maverick Video Production; NuMedia: Oak Farms Dairy; Paladin IT Services; Spectrum Health Clubs; Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio

$5,000

The Alamo Travel Group; George Becknell; Bender & Associates; BudCo., Inc.; The CE Group - Communication & Events; ChapmanSchewe Benefits Consulting; Comet Neon Advertising; Ernst & Young; Frost Bank; H-E-B Grocery Company; The Gambrinus Company; KPMG; Merrill Lynch; Methodist Healthcare System; Miner Corporation; The Plaza Club; RunTex; Security Service Federal Credit Union; Sterling Bank; SWBC; US Global Investors; Walton Signage; Wells Fargo Bank; Zachry Hospitality, Inc.

$2,500

Allegra Print & Imaging; Allied Advertising; Bank of America; Broadway National Bank; Don Strange of Texas, Inc.; Colonial Supplemental Insurance; Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated; Ear Medical Group; FIRSTMARK Credit Union; GLI Distributing; Halo Distributing; MarmonMok Architecture; Marriott Plaza San Antonio; Marriott Rivercenter/Riverwalk; Mission Pharmacal; Pape-Dawson Consulting Engineers, Inc.; San Antonio Economic Development Foundation; Sterling Foods; Tesoro Petroleum Companies; Yantis Company

Grants/Foundations

The AT&T Foundation; The Alfred S. Gage Foundation; Bexar County Health & Human Services CDBG; Bexar County Women's Bar Foundation; Brown Foundation; Charity Ball Foundation; Coleman Foundation; Criminal Justice Division JJDP Grant; Criminal Justice Division Safe and Drug Free Schools Grant; GAC Halff Foundation; Light Foundation; Myra Stafford Pryor Charitable Trust; The Sequor Foundation; David & Betty Sachs Foundation; Smith Barney; Women’s Sports Foundation

Founding Sponsors

City of San Antonio; H-E-B; USAA Foundation, A Charitable Trust; Valero Energy Corporation