New opportunities for youth sports in Sioux Falls announced
May 1, 2025 Contact:David BrownSanford Health Media Relations605-366-2432 / david.brown@sanfordhealth.org SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Registration is now open for a series of free youth sports clinics taking place this summer at the Sanford Sports Complex. Free Summer Clinics – Brought to you by Sanford Sports begins June 3 and features multiple opportunities for local kids. […]
Contact: David Brown Sanford Health Media Relations 605-366-2432 / david.brown@sanfordhealth.org
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Registration is now open for a series of free youth sports clinics taking place this summer at the Sanford Sports Complex. Free Summer Clinics – Brought to you by Sanford Sports begins June 3 and features multiple opportunities for local kids.
These free clinics have been a staple of the Sioux Falls community for more than two decades as part of Hy-Vee/Sanford Legends for Kids. Although the Hy-Vee/Sanford Legends for Kids gala and golf tournament will come to an end after 25 years, new opportunities will be announced in 2025 in partnership with Hy-Vee. In the quarter-century partnership between Hy-Vee and Sanford Health, the Legends for Kids events contributed more than $3.4 million to the community through grants and scholarships. To date, more than 40,000 young athletes took part in the free camps and clinics where they were able to learn skills from local and professional athletes.
“We are incredibly grateful to Hy-Vee, our Sanford team members and our community for making Legends for Kids such a rewarding event in South Dakota,” said Steve Young, president of Sanford Sports. “The heart and soul of Legends for Kids has always been providing children with the opportunity to participate in wellness programs and strive to be a healthier generation than the last. Sanford Sports celebrates the legacy of the past 25 years while embracing that same spirit for the future.”
Sanford Sports is in discussions with Hy-Vee about how the regional grocer can continue to support youth in sports via new sponsorships and new opportunities to help local kids directly.
To kick off the summer season, the volleyball clinic will take place June 3 at the Sanford Pentagon. The baseball, basketball, golf, football, soccer and softball clinics are the week of June 9-13 at the Sanford Sports Complex with sign-up available here. Registration is also available for the annual high school football camp, which is June 23-25.
In addition to this year’s clinics, Sanford Sports and Hy-Vee will host a community cookout to wrap up the week at the Sanford Crossing, as well as a community event later this summer.
For more information on the free clinics and the transition of the Legends for Kids program, visit sanfordsports.com/sanford-legends.
About Sanford Sports Sanford Sports is the modern athletics arm of Sanford Health, the premier rural health system in the United States. Rooted in science and health care, Sanford Sports offers a combination of programs, services, events, facilities and partnerships intended to make active lifestyles accessible and rewarding for people of all ages and abilities. Based on the 500-acre Sanford Sports Complex in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sanford Sports has been changing the way athletes play for 25 years. With operations in three states, more than one million athletes use Sanford Sports facilities each year. Visit sanfordsports.com for more information.
SBP Partners with Gatorade to Boost Youth Hoops, Coach Training
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has partnered with Gatorade to strengthen its grassroots and coaching initiatives, the national basketball federation announced Friday. The collaboration focuses on two key programs: the Talent Identification and Development Program for youth players, and the Coaches Academy, which provides training and accreditation for basketball coaches across the country. “Beyond […]
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has partnered with Gatorade to strengthen its grassroots and coaching initiatives, the national basketball federation announced Friday.
The collaboration focuses on two key programs: the Talent Identification and Development Program for youth players, and the Coaches Academy, which provides training and accreditation for basketball coaches across the country.
“Beyond providing essential hydration, Gatorade brings a wealth of expertise in sports science and athlete performance,” said SBP Executive Director Erika Dy. “This partnership allows us to tap into their knowledge and best practices, which will greatly benefit our programs and the broader basketball community.”
RELATED: EASL, SBP Join Forces to Launch Youth Basketball Program in PH
Gatorade will incorporate hydration and performance education into both programs, while also offering strategic support and resources to expand their reach. The brand will serve as the exclusive sports drink for SBP’s Grassroots Development Program.
The Talent Identification and Development Program, led by veteran coach Norman Black, is open to boys and girls under 16. Free basketball camps are held nationwide throughout the year.
Meanwhile, the Coaches Academy — spearheaded by former national team coach Jong Uichico—trains and certifies coaches at all levels of the game, ensuring they meet SBP’s standards for player development and competition.
The SBP said the partnership underscores its commitment to building a stronger foundation for Philippine basketball through athlete development and coaching excellence.
TruEdge Sports backs off in its criticism of George Pickens over youth camp cancellation
Earlier this week, TruEdge Sports postponed a youth football camp that was supposed to feature former Steelers (now Cowboys) receiver George Pickens. The email sent to those who purchased tickets for the camp included strong language regarding Pickens’s cancellation. Now, TruEdge Sports has sent a fresh email clarifying — and apologizing for — the prior […]
Earlier this week, TruEdge Sports postponed a youth football camp that was supposed to feature former Steelers (now Cowboys) receiver George Pickens. The email sent to those who purchased tickets for the camp included strong language regarding Pickens’s cancellation.
Now, TruEdge Sports has sent a fresh email clarifying — and apologizing for — the prior message.
“At TruEdge Sports, we take pride in fostering strong relationships with the athletes, families, and communities we serve,” the company said. “Recently, a statement was issued regarding our scheduled youth camp with George Pickens that did not accurately reflect the full scope of communications or the context surrounding the event.
“At no point did George communicate with us directly, and our communications with George’s representatives led to confusion about the camp’s status and future direction.
“Regrettably, the language used in our original message mischaracterized George’s intent and actions. While our frustrations stemmed from the uncertainty surrounding the event, it was never our intention to publicly question George’s professionalism, integrity, or commitment to the community. We now understand that the tone and implications of our message were not only inappropriate but inconsistent with our values as an organization.
“We recognize that he was navigating a significant career transition during this time and that his team kept open lines of communication with us.”
That’s a far cry from the prior comments made by TruEdge Sports. The earlier message said that Pickens “decided to walk back on his word” to attend the camp, and that his “sudden decision to back out not only reflects a disappointing lack of accountability, but also shows a disregard for the families and children who were excited to meet him.”
“Let us say again,” the prior message concluded, “we are incredibly frustrated by George Pickens’ lack of professionalism and his decision to abandon the commitment he personally confirmed after his trade.”
TruEdge is now singing a very different tune, presumably after hearing from Pickens’s camp — and possibly after being threatened with potential litigation for the public criticism it heaped upon him.
While the new message isn’t as clear as it could have been, it seems as if TruEdge Sports is saying it had gotten the facts wrong regarding Pickens’s handling of the situation.
Still, the new message continues to omit an open-ended offer to fully refund the payment made for the “George Pickens Youth Football Camp” on June 28, which has now become a camp featuring Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth on July 20.
After sending a message that tries to make things right as to Pickens, here’s hoping TruEdge Sports will soon be sending a message that makes things right as to those who paid for the camp that was supposed to happen on Saturday.
When I first started writing about online safety back in the days of AOL and dial-up, the biggest concerns were porn and “stranger danger.” Today, the threats and opportunities facing young people in the digital world are far more complex and so should be our response. A new report, Frontiers in Digital Child Safety, provides […]
When I first started writing about online safety back in the days of AOL and dial-up, the biggest concerns were porn and “stranger danger.” Today, the threats and opportunities facing young people in the digital world are far more complex and so should be our response.
Sports in brief: Santa Maria 8-U All-Stars fundraiser | Youth Sports
Santa Maria 8U All-Stars fundraiser The Santa Maria 8U All-Stars softball team will hold a tri-tip sandwich fundraiser Saturday, July 5 for the team’s trip to San Diego for the California State Games which are scheduled for later in July. Delivery will be available for three or more orders. For more information, call Cassandra Estrada […]
The Santa Maria 8U All-Stars softball team will hold a tri-tip sandwich fundraiser Saturday, July 5 for the team’s trip to San Diego for the California State Games which are scheduled for later in July.
Delivery will be available for three or more orders. For more information, call Cassandra Estrada at 805-631-2256.
Cabrillo Hall of Fame dinner
The 10th annual Cabrillo High School Alumni Hall of Fame Induction/Dinner Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 1 at the Cabrillo cafeteria.
Doors will open at 5:15 p.m., with the dinner and program beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Proceeds from the event will be designated toward benefitting the Cabrillo wrestling programs.
The list of inductees is:
Individual alumni: May Swan Lewis, class of 1967; Paula Dinkel, class of 1968; Colonel Dan Barr, USA (retired), class of 1970; Commander Greg Young, USN (retired), class of 1971; Steve Long, class of 1988; Kelly Cardenas, class of 1993.
Team: the 1972 CIF Southern Section championship men’s 200 medley relay team of Walt Heidmous, Randy Nogle and Randy Phillips, class of 1972, and Gary Anderson and Don Reeser, class of 1973.
Hancock College sports camps scheduled
A girls basketball camp is scheduled for July 28-31, and a boys basketball camp is slated for Aug. 4-7 at Hancock’s Joe White Memorial Gymnasium. Players ages six-through-17 are eligible for the girls basketball camp, and players ages eight-through-15 are eligible for the boys basketball camp.
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Lompoc coaching opening
Lompoc High School is seeking a boys and girls head wrestling coach for the 2025-26 season. For more information, contact Lompoc athletics director Claudia Terrones at Terrones.claudia@lusd.org or call 805-742-3073.
Youth basketball camp
Taurasi basketball camp slated for July
The inaugural Taurasi Snow Valley Basketball Camp, an overnight camp for girls ages 11-18, is scheduled to take place July 24-27 at Westmont College.
Former WNBA star Diana Taurasi will oversee the camp. Taurasi is the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer, is considered to be one of the WNBA’s all-time greats and is considered to be a sure first-ballot inductee into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame when she first becomes eligible in 2027. Taurasi announced her retirement in February.
Taurasi is a three-time WNBA champion and six-time Olympic gold medalist.
Youth softball fundraiser
Lompoc High School softball team and Central Coast Cruisers 16U softball team member Rianna Stouppe has established a Cruisers 16U fundraiser.
NHL Draft Top Prospect Youth Hockey Clinic proves big hit
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Hours before the biggest night of their hockey lives, six of the top prospects for the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft found the perfect way to ease some of the tension. Erie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, Saginaw forward Michael Misa, Boston College forward James Hagens, Brampton forward Porter Martone, Brantford forward Jake […]
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Hours before the biggest night of their hockey lives, six of the top prospects for the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft found the perfect way to ease some of the tension.
Erie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, Saginaw forward Michael Misa, Boston College forward James Hagens, Brampton forward Porter Martone, Brantford forward Jake O’Brien and Oshawa defenseman Haoxi (Simon) Wang joined members of the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition (PIC) for the NHL Draft Top Prospect Youth Hockey Clinic at Toyota Sports Performance Center.
“It was great,” Misa said. “I think it’s good to just do this the day of, because you kind of get your mind off the draft a little bit too. You’re kind of not stressed as much as having fun with kids.”
At times it was tough to tell who was having more fun, the approximately 60 kids ages 5-10, the prospects, or the PIC members, a group that included Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves and NHL alumni Anson Carter, Georges Laraque, Mark Fraser, JT Brown, Anthony Stewart, Al Montoya and P.K. Subban. Also on the ice were retired women’s hockey stars Manon Rheaume and Blake Bolden, each of whom works for the Los Angeles Kings.
“To be able to create this space and to bring all of my colleagues and the Player Inclusion Coalition and these prospects, who are just amazing with the kids on the ice on the biggest day of their lives, being able to kind of shift their mindset to give back, is unbelievable,” said Bolden, a Kings community and hockey development specialist. “I think it’s just going to be a moment that these kids are going to remember for the rest of their lives.”
Among those youngsters was 11-year-old Jordan Moore, a defenseman on an in-house team based out of Toyota Sports Performance Center as well as a tournament team, the Toyota Sports Center Legends.
“It was exciting, but it was also tiring, because they’re older than us, and they’re going to be in the NHL soon,” Moore said. “So they gave us a real hard time, especially when we did a scrimmage, but it was still fun, and they’re all super nice.”
The kids all got time to talk to the prospects and the PIC members, but the prospects enjoyed the conversations as much or more.
