KENDALLVILLE — The Dekko Foundation, a private family foundation located in Kendallville, with a mission of fostering economic freedom through education, awarded more than $980,000 in grants and pledges to 16 youth-serving organizations during its most recent round of grantmaking.
The foundation, started in 1981 by the late businessman and philanthropist Chester E. Dekko, invests in projects and programs that help build knowledge, skills, and character in children and young people from birth through age 18 so they can be self-sufficient and grow up to be economically free.
Its grantmaking is concentrated within 13 counties in four states — Indiana, Iowa, Alabama, and Minnesota — where Mr. Dekko had business or personal interests.
Regional organizations receiving grants and pledges were:
• Lost Sparrows, Inc. (Winona Lake): $20,000 to support the organization’s annual conference for youth workers and caregivers where they learn practices and strategies that contribute to their understanding of the healthy development of young people.
• Syracuse-Wawasee Park Foundation (Syracuse): $100,000 to support the extension of the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail so students can engage in outdoor recreation and have a safe route to Wawasee Middle School.
• Youth for Christ of Northern Indiana, Inc. (Fort Wayne): $75,000 to support caring adults building authentic relationships with middle and high school students that enrich their mental, spiritual, and social well-being.
• Grace College (Winona Lake): $40,000 to support educational programs for preschool through sixth-grade students that enhance their understanding of natural environments, aquatic life, and career opportunities.
• Shore Church, Inc./Rainbow Years Learning Center (Shipshewana): $800 to support staff members’ professional development that contributes to their work with young people.
• Warsaw Community Schools (Warsaw): $21,710 to support the leadership development of elementary students as well as equipping educators with principles and strategies that elevate their work.
• Westview School Corporation (Topeka): $13,000 to support more extracurricular opportunities for junior and senior high school students through esports.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County (Goshen): $5,000 to support after-school programs in Angola and Ligonier, so elementary students have a safe place to participate in activities, get homework help, and engage with caring adults.
• East Noble Show Choir Boosters, Inc. (Kendallville): $7,500 to support choir members’ growing confidence in their music and performance skills.
• GO Foundation (LaGrange): $150,000 to support the opening of a new childcare center for children ages 0-5 that contributes their healthy development and provides another option in the community for parents.
• Greater Warsaw Cooperative Preschool, Inc. (Warsaw): $2,000 to support an additional classroom at the school that can help children develop foundational skills during their formative years.
If you’d like to learn more about how investments such as these support children and young people so they can achieve economic freedom later in life, contact a Dekko Foundation program officer at 260-347-1278, or visit dekkofoundation.org to explore the foundation’s mission and funding priorities, review its grantmaking process, or send a grant proposal.
Little League retired its 30-year ASAP program to launch Little League SAFE and SAFE to Play on January 5, 2026
SAFE Summary Builder replaces manual safety plan uploads with an automated, customizable reporting tool for leagues
Leagues completing compliance requirements qualify for a 15% AIG insurance credit and access to Musco-funded facility grants
Four safety pillars now formalize Little League’s approach: child protection, physical safety, mental well-being, and risk management
District administrators can earn up to $800 in AIG-supported incentives for promoting safety program participation
Replacing Three Decades of Safety Infrastructure
Little League International retired its A Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) after nearly 30 years of operation, replacing it with a two-part system designed to centralize resources and measure compliance more systematically. The transition reflects a shift from awareness-based programming to measurable participation standards.
“Little League SAFE provides education, tools, and resources to help leagues build and maintain safer programs, while SAFE to Play establishes annual compliance requirements and a recognition structure that measures participation and rewards achievement,” said Joy Reynolds McCoy, Little League Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer.
The organization built the new framework around four core areas: child protection, physical safety, mental well-being, and local league risk management. Each area now has dedicated resources accessible through a central portal at LittleLeague.org/SAFE, including the Child Protection Policy, JDP background check information, and state-specific guidance.
New Digital Tools Streamline Safety Documentation
Little League introduced the SAFE Summary Builder as the primary change to league-level administration. The guided online tool generates a customized safety summary based on league input, eliminating the previous requirement for manual safety plan uploads. Leagues can share the resulting document with volunteers and parents.
The organization also launched two free training courses. The Safety Awareness Training covers core safety principles, risk management, and best practices for all volunteers. The First Aid Awareness Training focuses on injury prevention and first aid response protocols.
Little League redesigned its Annual Facility Survey to integrate directly with each league’s SAFE Summary. The updated version generates a summary report with practical feedback and recommended actions for improving field and facility safety. Leagues must complete both the SAFE Summary Builder and Annual Facility Survey to establish baseline participation in the SAFE to Play program.
Insurance Credits and Grant Funding Tied to Compliance
The SAFE to Play component functions as Little League’s annual compliance and recognition program. Leagues that complete the required SAFE Summary Builder and Annual Facility Survey through the Little League Data Center qualify for a 15% credit on accident insurance premiums purchased through the AIG Accident Insurance Program.
Leagues that meet baseline compliance requirements become eligible to apply for funding through the Musco-Funded SAFE to Play Grant Program. In 2026, grant funding covers facility improvements that enhance safety and playing conditions, plus purchases of automated external defibrillators for emergency preparedness.
The program prioritizes a range of leagues, including those demonstrating strong existing safety practices and those facing resource constraints. Completion of additional training courses such as Safety Awareness, First Aid Awareness, and Diamond Leader increases a league’s grant eligibility.
District-Level Incentives Support Program Adoption
Little League established District Incentives supported by AIG to encourage active communication and promotion of safety initiatives. District administrators who help local leagues complete safety requirements can earn up to $800 per district through three separate achievement levels.
The incentive structure aims to build oversight capacity at the district level and foster accountability throughout the program. District administrators serve as the primary communication channel between Little League International and local leagues, making their engagement critical to program adoption rates.
Formalizing Safety as Measurable Infrastructure
Little League’s shift from ASAP to SAFE represents a move toward quantifiable participation standards rather than purely educational programming. The organization now ties financial incentives, insurance benefits, and grant eligibility directly to completion of digital documentation tools and facility assessments.
The four-pillar framework standardizes expectations across all leagues while the SAFE Summary Builder creates a consistent reporting format. By centralizing resources at LittleLeague.org/SAFE and linking compliance to tangible benefits, Little League has positioned safety as both a cultural priority and an administrative requirement with measurable outcomes.
via: Little League
YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.
About Youth Sports Business Report
Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.
Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.
Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:
Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
Youth Sports events and tournament management
NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
Sports technology and data analytics innovation
Youth sports facilities development and management
Sports content creation and digital media monetization
Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.
Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.
Stay connected with the pulse of the youth sports business – where industry expertise meets actionable intelligence.
Sign up for the biggest newsletter in Youth Sports – Youth Sports HQ – The best youth sports newsletter in the industry
Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow Youth Sports Business Report Founder Cameron Korab on LinkedIn
Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?
Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
About Play Up Partners
Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
Why Sponsor Youth Sports?
Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.
What Does Play Up Partners Do?
We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.
Our Approach
Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:
Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
Elevate the youth sports ecosystem
Our Vision
We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.
Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing
Where can I sponsor youth sports?How do I activate in youth sports?What is the ROI of youth sports marketing?How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?
We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.
Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.
Lawmakers from the 18th Legislative District are sponsoring legislation aimed at protecting children participating in youth sports programs from abuse and sexual predators.
House Bill 2180, sponsored by Rep. John Ley, R-Vancouver, and endorsed by Rep. Stephanie McClintock, R-Vancouver, would require background checks for all youth sports coaches and others who manage or supervise youth sports programs, according to a Washington State House Republicans news release.
The proposal would also direct the Department of Children, Youth and Families to develop mandatory training on reporting child abuse tailored to youth sports coaches. Youth sports organizations would be required to complete the training, and coaches would be designated as mandatory reporters.
“This legislation was prompted after concerned parents encountered a convicted sex offender who failed to disclose his conviction while seeking to coach their children,” Ley said in the release. “By requiring background checks — paid for by the individual or organization — we give parents and program administrators better tools to protect kids.”
The bill would require organizations to submit background checks through the Washington State Patrol and would prohibit the hiring of individuals convicted of crimes against children or other persons, the press release stated.
The bill will be reviewed during the 2026 legislative session, which begins Monday, Jan. 12.
The Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) warmly congratulates the Houston Astros on the signing of Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, marking an exciting new chapter for both the Astros organization and the enduring relationship between Houston and Japan.
Imai-senshu’s arrival in Houston is more than a roster move—it is a powerful example of how sport continues to serve as a bridge between cultures. Baseball has long been a shared passion of the United States and Japan, fostering mutual respect, admiration, and people-to-people connections across generations.
The timing of this signing is especially meaningful. The year 2026 represents a historic milestone for both nations, with the United States commemorating its 250th anniversary and Japan marking the 100th anniversary of the Showa era. It was during the Showa period that baseball became deeply embedded in Japanese society, evolving into a national sport and a cultural touchstone. Imai-san’s journey from Japan to Major League Baseball reflects this rich legacy and the sport’s continuing role in strengthening bilateral ties.
Houston has long been a gateway for U.S.–Japan exchange, and the Astros’ global presence further amplifies the city’s role as a hub for international connection. Imai-san’s signing underscores the Astros’ commitment to excellence on the field while embracing the global nature of the game.
As an organization dedicated to advancing understanding and friendship between Japan and the United States, JASH celebrates this moment with pride. We look forward to welcoming Imai-san to Houston, cheering him on throughout the season, and continuing to support the many ways cultural exchange enriches our community—on and off the field.
Please join us in welcoming Tatsuya Imai to Houston and wishing him great success with the Astros.
The North Colonie community is mourning the loss of Erin Couture, wife of Shaker High School Dean Garrett Couture, who passed away unexpectedly.
Erin, a former employee at Shaker Middle and High Schools, was cherished by students and staff, the district said in an email to parents. She leaves behind her husband and two young sons, who are students in the district. Garrett Couture is an active figure in youth sports, coaching football and lacrosse, with Erin’s support always by his side.
The district will hold a half-day session on Thursday, Jan. 8, to allow staff to support the Couture family during services. Shaker High School will dismiss at 11:30 a.m., Shaker Middle School at 12:30 p.m., and elementary schools at 1:30 p.m.
You can read Couture’s obituary here.
A gofundme has been set up for the family. You can donate here
One of the toughest transitions for basketball players can be from the youth level to high school varsity. Each season, however, a group of freshmen not only make the transition, but they impact their new team right away.
This winter, there have again been both boys and girls freshmen scoring for their varsity teams and earning starting spots throughout District 10.
Here is a list of 15 freshmen making an impact through the first half of the season.
Fans can vote for their choice as the District 10 Breakout Freshman of the Year at the midway point of the season through Thursday at noon.
Kris Blue, Farrell – Blue has emerged as a leader for the Steelers and is a big reason why Farrell could compete for a D-10 girls basketball title. She is averaging 11.2 points per game as a perfect complement to 1,000-point scorer Janiya Daniels.
Kenlyn Masters, Sharpsville – The Blue Devils had a strong girls basketball team back this winter and Masters is adding to the depth. She is scoring 10.8 points per game and is on her way to a big career at Sharpsville.
Kymani Vine, Eisenhower – The big story around the Knights was the consolidation with Youngsville, but Vine has been a story as well. He is averaging 16.5 points per game as a dominant forward for the Knights.
Alba Potter, McDowell – There was plenty of hype around Potter coming into the season after a big offseason on the AAU circuit. She is not only scoring 10.4 points per game for the Trojans but she is also a top 3-point shooter in D-10 with 22 makes on the season so far.
Madison Mallek, Greenville – The forward has added depth to the Trojans’ inside game this season. She is scoring 9.3 points per game and is a tough rebounder as well.
Nolan Golub, West Middlesex – The quick point guard is a staple for the Big Reds this season. He is scoring 12.9 points per game while running the offense as well.
Leah Nies, Cathedral Prep – Nies is another freshman that had a lot of hype surrounding her. The speedy guard has responded with 8.6 points per game and is a threat from the 3-point line as well.
Riley Coblentz, Iroquois – The youth movement is going on at Iroquois, and Coblentz is scoring 8.5 points per game and emerging as a leader for Iroquois.
Jhytarion Moffett, Meadville – Moffett is part of a youth movement for the Bulldogs. He is averaging 5 points per game and has played in every game this season to add depth for Meadville.
Mia Washburn, Cathedral Prep – It’s not common practice to have two athletes from the same team on the same poll, but Washburn is also having a big freshman season for the Ramblers. She is also averaging 8.6 points per game and is a threat from the 3-point line.
Abbigail Walmer, Cambridge Springs – The Blue Devils are rebuilding the program and Walmer is leading the way. She is averaging 7.6 points per game and has knocked down 20 3-pointers this season.
Kyjuan Campbell, Farrell – With a loaded team back this winter, Campbell has forced his way into playing time with solid contributions for the Steelers. He is scoring 5 points per game off the bench.
Ella Thompson, Harbor Creek – Thompson is in the next wave of impressive forwards in Erie County as she is a solid scorer and talented rebounder. She is averaging 7.6 points per game.
Talia Bianconi, Grove City – Bianconi has picked up the slack with the Eagles losing standout Maddie Osborn for the season to injury. Bianconi is scoring 7.4 points per game to give Grove City another scoring option.
Liam Hanson, Eisenhower – Hanson is another standout freshman for the Knights. He is scoring 11.5 points per game and is on his way to a big career for Eisenhower.
Contact Tom Reisenweber at treisenweber@timesnews.com. Follow him on X@ETNreisenweber.
