Muchas gracias, Joe

At last Friday’s luncheon tribute to Joe Krier, the retiring president of the San Antonio Greater Chamber of Commerce, the Sports Foundation was honored to be mentioned by Joe.  He graciously discussed the relationship between the Sports Foundation and the Greater Chamber during the past 20 years.  As one of our co-founders, Joe and his wife Cyndi Taylor Krier have unselfishly given their time and resources in support of the Foundation and our services to the community and youth.  

Hopefully, you will give us the same vote of confidence that Joe and Cyndi have.  Our members make sports and fitness programs happen!  Honor Joe and Cyndi and become a member of the Sports Foundation today.  Click here to download a membership application or simply sign up online.  We welcome your support. 

Dr. Susan Blackwood
Executive Director

SA Announces Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon

San Antonio will be rockin’ and rollin’ in 2008 when Elite Racing brings their extremely successful marathon racing series to the Alamo City.  The Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon will be held on November 16, 2008 in downtown San Antonio.  The Sports Foundation, city staff, RunTex and the San Antonio Road Runners along with officials from Elite Racing presented the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon plan to City Council on September 20.  Also on hand was San Antonio Express-News publisher and chief executive officer, Tom Stephenson, himself an accomplished marathoner, who has agreed to serve as honorary chairman of the new race. 

Elite Racing officials announced the new race last week in Chicago before the national racing media.  The San Antonio running community will be invited to a special press announcement in San Antonio on November 13.  Can’t wait to register for the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon?  Then be one of the first!  Log onto www.rnrsa.com.

If you’re interested in getting involved as a sponsor, contact Susan Blackwood at sblackwood@sanantoniosports.org or 820-2110.

Duck ‘N Dodge Wrap up

The dodgeballs were flying last Saturday at the Sports Foundation’s second annual Duck ‘N Dodge charity tournament at Brooks City Base.  The competition was lively among the 120 teams in both the Bud Light (21 years and older) and PowerAde divisions (16 years and older.)  You can see the fun for yourself by viewing the online photo galleries from the event. 

Congratulations to the San Antonio Sports and Social Club team, which won “beer for a year” for each team member from Bud Light.  They generously agreed to share their prize with Dodge & Drink, the second place team.  The Gamblers took the top prize in the PowerAde division.  Our Balls Your Face came in second place.

A sincere thank you to our Duck ‘N Dodge sponsors including, Bud Light, Coca-Cola/PowerAde, AT&T. Texas MedClinic, San Antonio Sports & Social Club and the University of Phoenix.  We’re also grateful to our media sponsors KISS 99.5 FM, KENS 5 TV, San Antonio Express-News and 210SA which helped deliver the crowds.

Get Your Booth at the Subway Victory Lap Celebration

Is your company or organization looking for a way to reach out to families with an interest in health and fitness?  Then be a part of the Valero Go!Kids Challenge™ Subway Victory Lap Celebration.  This FREE family event takes place in the Alamodome on Sunday, October 28 from noon until 4 p.m. After exercising 30 minutes a day, at least six days a week for eight weeks, participants in the Valero Go!Kids Challenge are awarded their finishers’ medals and t-shirts at the Celebration.  They walk a celebratory lap around the Alamodome and then stay for a health and fitness fair.  Last year 20,000 children, parents and other family members attended.

The Sports Foundation invites companies and community youth and sports organizations to be a part of the Subway Victory Lap Celebration by reserving a booth at the fitness fair.  For more information, contact Dorsena Picknell at 820-2112 or dpicknell@sanantoniosports.org.

Amateur Sports Facilities Committee

The citizens committee charged by Bexar County Commissioners Court to examine, prioritize and recommend regional amateur sports facilities using visitor taxes continues to meet.  Presentations requesting funds have been made by several groups and organizations.  The committee will meet at least twice in October, with presentations scheduled by Culebra Creek / ACYSO; Southeast Skyline Stadium; Brooks City Base Soccer Sports Ventures multi-purpose facility; National Swim Center; and St. Mary’s University.  Each project must demonstrate and meet specific criteria including tourism impact, matching investment (public/private), a long-term plan for maintenance, operations and programming, return on investment, and a need for the facility in Bexar County.  For more information, go to www.bexar.org/communityvenues.

San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame Press Conference

Tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 10 a.m., the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2008 will be unveiled at a press conference in the Alamodome.  Five accomplished, deserving San Antonians who have achieved greatness in the world of sports will be introduced. 

You are welcome to attend this annual event which takes place in the Alamodome in front of the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame wall of brass plaques that honor current members of the Hall.  The Class of 2008 will be officially inducted into the Hall on Friday, February 15 at the annual San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame Tribute, which also raises funds for the Sports Foundation’s many youth initiatives.  To reserve your tickets for this very popular black-tie gala, contact Myrna Reyes at 820-2109 or mreyes@sanantoniosports.org.

Circle of Champions Luncheon

The Sports Foundation is every excited about our new Circle of Champions, a group of energetic, young professionals who share an interest in community and a commitment to helping the Sports Foundation meet its fundraising goals. 

On Friday, October 12, the Circle of Champions will enjoy its first luncheon at the Quarry Golf Club.  Hosted by Coca-Cola, they’ll be awarded prizes for meeting sales goals, hear an inspirational message from a community leader and enjoy networking with one another and Sports Foundation board members.  If you’re interested in joining the Sports Foundation’s Circle of Champions or know of someone who is, contact Mary Ullmann Japhet at mjaphet@sanantoniosports.org or 820-2123.

Run for Go!Kids

The San Antonio Sports Foundation’s Valero Go!Kids Challenge™ will be the charity beneficiary of the “PolyFuel Optimize Your Runtime 5K Charity Run.”  The charity run is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 a.m. and is part of this year’s annual Fuel Cell Seminar being held at the San Antonio Convention Center.  Downtown residents and workers, this one is for you!

PolyFuel, a run-time leader in engineered hydrocarbon membranes, invites friends of the San Antonio Sports Foundation to participate in their 5K charity run.  The race begins at the corner of Alamo and Market Street and the entry fee is $20.  To register, go to www.optimizeyourruntime.com.

Big 12 Women’s Soccer

The Big 12 Women’s Soccer Championship returns to Blossom Soccer Stadium on November 7, 9 & 11.  For the 11th year, the Sports Foundation and the University of Texas, the defending champions, will host the tournament which features the top eight teams from the Big 12 Conference.  Visit the Big 12 Web site to learn more about the season’s standings and start tracking your team’s journey to the Championship. 

Make plans now to take your child’s youth soccer team to the Championship.  They’ll enjoy seeing some of the nation’s best soccer players in action and be inspired by tremendous role models.  For ticket information, contact the Sports Foundation at 820-2100.  Tickets can be ordered here.

SALOC NCAA Final Four Committees Underway

If it takes a village to raise a child, it certainly takes an entire community to successfully host an NCAA® Final Four®!  With six months of planning still ahead of us, numerous members of the San Antonio community have already answered the call to share their time, talents and resources with the NCAA and the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee. 

Committees ranging from youth and community outreach, transportation, decorations, volunteers, special events, hospitality, public relations, hotel & lodging, and on and on have already begun assembling, planning and strategizing on ways to make this the best Final Four ever!  Along with the numerous individuals who have made a commitment to our team, we would like to thank the various companies and organizations that are lending their expertise through their leadership personnel.  Along with the numerous individuals who have made a commitment to our team, we would like to thank the various companies and organizations that are lending their expertise through their leadership personnel!  We will highlight our many committees in future newsletters.

Thank you in advance for your efforts – we certainly could not do it without you!  However, we never stop recruiting.  In addition to the nearly 2,000 volunteers we will need to support the many events and programs of the Final Four, we are still looking for committee members to join our youth outreach team.

If you are interested in serving in some capacity, visit our online volunteer registration system or contact Jenny Carnes at jcarnes@sanantoniosports.org for more information about serving on a committee.   

Valero Go!Kids Challenge Mascots

Our new mascots, Jumping Jack and Active Annie, are ready for action!  They will be going to schools for special assemblies or fitness-related events and helping motivate students.  They are also available to go to your company’s or organization’s events that include children. 

We will schedule visits on a first-come, first-served basis.  If you are interested in having Jumping Jack and Active Annie come to your school or company event, contact Anna Gomez-Vazquez at agomez@sanantoniosports.org and reserve your date. 

Mascot Health and Fitness Blog

How do you know when to stop exercising?  Do you have to stay active every day?  Is Gatorade better than water?  These are some of the questions being asked of Active Annie and Jumping Jack at our new feature on the Valero Go!Kids Challenge web site.  Jumping Jack and Active Annie are concerned about children’s health and how they exercise.  Children are invited to ask questions about being healthy and answers are posted several times a week.  Check it out by going to www.gokidschallenge.com.

Host Families Needed for Hockey Club

The San Antonio Diablos Hockey Club is seeking host families to take in new and returning players, young men from ages 16-20, immediately.  Head coach Ryan Egan says, “Each year across the country hundreds of kids leave home with high expectations and dreams of pursuing hockey at a higher level.  It's caring families that open their doors which allow these young athletes this opportunity to succeed.”   All host families will receive two season tickets for each player housed to all Diablos home games, as well a $250.00 monthly stipend for living expenses.  For more information, contact Coach Egan at 210-490-9550 ext. 222 or coachegan@diabloshockey.net.

Champions Club
Individual Members at $1,000+

Justin Aglialoro; Dr. Lawrence Anderson; Gary & Shelia Arthur; Rich Attkisson; William Avila; Scott Beckendorf; Col. George Becknell; George P. Becknell, III; Morton Baird; Ralph Bender; James Blackwood; Susan Blackwood; George Block; Carolun Blumit; Steve Bonnette; Diana Braschler; June Bratcher; Howard Burris; Jim Callaway; Pete Cangany; Jeff Clark; Bud Curtis; Ross & Laura Davis; John Disler; James Doyle; Alan Dreeben; Jim Dublin; Charlie Ebrom; Steve Edlund; Donald Engelhardt; Tally Estrada; David Fevsdahl; Lisa & Frank Fichtel; Buddy Ford; Lisa Friel; Pat & Kelley Frost; James Gianopoulos; Claude Gilmer; Frank Gittinger; William Greehey; Bob Gurwitz; Bill & Marcia Hanson; Scott Helbing; Ronnie  Hengst; George C. Hixon; Janet Holliday; Michael Imbimbo; Steve Isom; Mary & Chuck Japhet, Gary Joeris; Stacey Johnson; Michael Jones; Kent Krauss; Dr. Gary Lawton; Michael J. Lynd, Jr.; Greg & Leigh Ann King; Lowry Mays; James Mickey; Phil Miner; Dr. Edward Mueller; Randel Norris; Kelly O'Connor; Manny Ortiz; Juan Rangel; Bob & Laura Raymond; Tom Reardon; Jim & Katie Reed; Matthew Reedy; Charlie Roberts; Marty Roos; Lynn Roper; Dr. David Schmidt; George Scofield; Daniel Simons; Dr. Earl Smith; Michael Stoltz; Virginia VanSteenberg; Richard Wade; 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; Valero Energy Foundation

$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; 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; Core – Mark International, Inc.; 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; The Trust Company; US Global Investors; Walton Signage; Wells Fargo Bank; Zachry Hospitality, Inc.

$2,500

Accenture LLP; Allegra Print & Imaging; Allied Advertising; Broadway National Bank; C H Guenther & Son; Chelsea’s Sandwiches of Texas Inc.; Colonial Supplemental Insurance; Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated; Don Strange of Texas, Inc.; Ear Medical Group; FIRSTMARK Credit Union; GLI Distributing; Halo Distributing; HMS Host; Jefferson Bank; MassMutual/The South Texas Agency; MarmonMok Architecture; Marriott Plaza San Antonio; Marriott Rivercenter/Riverwalk; Mission Pharmacal; Pape-Dawson Consulting Engineers, Inc.; PMG, Inc.; Republic Beverage Company; San Antonio Economic Development Foundation; Sterling Foods Inc.; Tesoro Petroleum Companies; Texas Automotive Paint Supply Co., Lp; USSA; Yantis Company

Grants/Foundations

The AT&T Foundation; The Alfred S. Gage Foundation; Bexar County Health & Human Services CDBG; Brown Foundation; Charity Ball 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; USSA Foundation; Women’s Sports Foundation

Founding Sponsors

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