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Chargers player hosts free youth camp in Chula Vista

Hundreds of kids learn from pro athletes at Eastlake High School event. CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Los Angeles Chargers safety Tony Jefferson hosted a free youth football camp for approximately 300 children in Chula Vista on Sunday. The event, held at Eastlake High School, Jefferson’s alma mater, provided local kids aged 8-16 with an opportunity […]

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Hundreds of kids learn from pro athletes at Eastlake High School event.

CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Los Angeles Chargers safety Tony Jefferson hosted a free youth football camp for approximately 300 children in Chula Vista on Sunday. The event, held at Eastlake High School, Jefferson’s alma mater, provided local kids aged 8-16 with an opportunity to learn from NFL players and college athletes.

Jefferson, a Chula Vista native, organized the camp through his charitable foundation in partnership with NFL Flag San Diego and Hard Count. The one-day event offered young boys and girls a chance to participate in drills and receive coaching from professional athletes.

“I just remember when I used to go to these camps, how excited I was and how motivated I was after I was at the camp, and I thought that’s something I definitely want to do once I had the opportunity to do,” said Jefferson.

The camp featured a range of activities, including hurdles and agility exercises, designed to improve the participants’ football skills. In addition to Jefferson, San Diego State University defensive end Trey White, also an Eastlake High School alumnus, helped coach the young athletes.

“It’s full circle right now, I actually went to a Tony Jefferson camp when I was younger too, full circle moment at Eastlake too,” said White.

For many of the young participants, the camp represented a unique opportunity to learn from professional athletes. Kaloi Duhart, 13, plays on two flag football teams and was excited to participate.

“This is probably like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s not common that football players organize big events like this, and I’m just glad I get to learn from somebody like him,” said Duhart.

Jefferson emphasized that the camp’s goals extended beyond improving athletic skills. He stressed the importance of character development and leadership.

“We want to build character. Character is a huge component to be successful in whatever you do, like I said, not just sports,” said Jefferson.

The event also featured Kenny Stills, Jefferson’s college teammate and competitor, who graduated from La Costa Canyon High School. Stills shared his own experience of being inspired by professional athletes as a youth.

“I remember being their age and having an opportunity to see Jr Seau to work out at the beach and the impact that that had on me and how it humanized how he was as a person and inspired me to be like that during my career path,” said Stills.

The young athletes at the camp appeared to be absorbing the lessons and inspiration provided by the professional players. Kingston Van, one of the participants, reflected on the impact of the experience.

“It feels good. It’s giving me the challenging mindset to not give up even if it’s hard,” said Van.

As the event concluded, Jefferson expressed his hope that San Diego residents would continue to support the Chargers, despite the team’s relocation to Los Angeles.

“I get it, you know, the team leaves, but we’re just up the road and we’re still the Chargers and I love you guys and I know you love me back. So come back on board, baby, come back,” said Jefferson, adding, “I love you, San Diego.”



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This Bentley Alum is a Believer in the Therapeutic Value of Sports

What appealed to you about Bentley when you were planning to get your MBA?   Bentley’s reputation for blending business rigor with flexibility for working professionals was appealing to me, particularly since I was traveling frequently for my job. My goal was to be prepared not just for traditional business roles, but for leadership in a […]

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What appealed to you about Bentley when you were planning to get your MBA?  

Bentley’s reputation for blending business rigor with flexibility for working professionals was appealing to me, particularly since I was traveling frequently for my job. My goal was to be prepared not just for traditional business roles, but for leadership in a rapidly evolving world.  

My Bentley MBA experience gave me both the confidence and the tools to lead. Courses in organizational behavior and strategic management had a lasting impact, but the real value came from conversations inside and outside the classroom — evaluating business challenges and gaining insights from diverse perspectives. It pushed me to lead with purpose and to think systemically. I also realized that success doesn’t always have to follow a corporate ladder; it can also be measured by impact. 

After getting your MBA, you worked in the corporate world and as an entrepreneur. What caused your shift to a nonprofit? 

While I was successful in the business world, I wanted my work to mean more; and I thought long and hard about my quality of life.  

As a former college athlete, sports had always been a passion and a personal outlet, and I knew how transformative they could be. I began to see how sports could be used to address social challenges and make connections across cultures, languages and communities. That’s when I knew I had to align my professional life with my values.  

The move was also informed by an important lesson I learned from my grandfather, who had very little but always helped those around him who had even less. I knew that, like him, I didn’t want to coast through life. I wanted to add value to my community.  

Doc Wayne was unlike anything I had seen before, and I immediately connected with founder Susan Wayne, a pioneer in human services. She was looking for someone to take the organization’s base and build it into a high-impact, sustainable nonprofit. It combined sports, therapy and youth development into a model that was both innovative and deeply human. Leading an organization that uses sport as a vehicle for healing just clicked. I saw both the need and the potential to grow the organization and bring this approach to more youth locally and globally. 

How has your vision for Doc Wayne evolved since you began leading the organization more than a decade ago? 

When I started, we were a two-person, local nonprofit. Over time, the organization has evolved its vision: to make mental health services more accessible and to use sports to break down the stigma and cultural barriers surrounding treatment. Today, we train other organizations, consult globally and have opened our own community mental health clinic. It’s about transforming systems, not just serving individuals. 



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Three Valley’s Initiative To Empower Tri-Valley Youth Begins With Little League Intermediate World Series | Regional/CA News

TRI-VALLEY – Local Little Leaguers, as well as those from around the world, will be the first to benefit from a new Three Valley’s Community Foundation (3VCF) project aimed at empowering youth in the Tri-Valley. The non-profit organization based in Pleasanton works to strengthen communities in the Tri-Valley and greater Bay Area by connecting donors […]

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TRI-VALLEY – Local Little Leaguers, as well as those from around the world, will be the first to benefit from a new Three Valley’s Community Foundation (3VCF) project aimed at empowering youth in the Tri-Valley.

The non-profit organization based in Pleasanton works to strengthen communities in the Tri-Valley and greater Bay Area by connecting donors and nonprofits with those looking to give back to the community in myriad ways.

3VCF’s latest venture is the NextGen Fund, which is designed to support diverse area programs focused on enrichment, wellness, leadership, the arts, civic engagement and youth-led philanthropy, while also recognizing young individuals making a difference in their communities.

“In today’s philanthropic landscape, youth-serving organizations are often overlooked or underfunded,” 3VCF CEO/President Kelly Bowers said. “The NextGen Fund is our commitment to reversing that trend — amplifying youth voices, supporting organizations that serve them and encouraging the philanthropic spirit of young people themselves.”

The initial NextGen Fund initiative is the Little League International Intermediate World Series (LLIWS), an acclaimed youth baseball tournament held annually at Max Baer Park in Livermore. This legacy event brings together teams and families from around the world, not only celebrating young athletes but also reflecting Little League’s mission to develop character, courage and loyalty in youth through teamwork, sportsmanship and community.

To kickstart the NextGen Fund, Bowers said, all donations received between now and Aug. 30 will go to support the LLIWS and its continued success as a youth-development experience and global celebration of sportsmanship and connection.

3VCF will boost the newly established fund by supporting local hospitality efforts, tournament amenities and community-building activities to enhance the overall experience.

“This is more than just a tournament,” LLIWA tournament director Bill Aboumrad said. “It’s a community builder and a life-shaping opportunity for hundreds of young athletes. We are grateful that 3VCF recognizes its impact and has chosen LLIWS as the inaugural youth program recipient of the NextGen Funds.

“The groundswell of support we receive from our community is what makes this event truly special — not just for the players, but for their families and fans from around the world. Livermore has become a second home for this global event, and this fund helps us continue to offer a world-class experience.”

The NextGen Fund will consider youth-centric grant funding inquiries on a rolling basis, conducting reviews quarterly or biannually based on available resources. During this process, Bowers said, priority will be given to initiatives that center on youth development, leadership and empowerment. To ensure meaningful contributions, the fund will focus on initiatives that demonstrate measurable impacts on youth within 3VCF’s geographic region.

In conjunction with the NextGen Fund, 3VCF will also be sponsoring the Young Philanthropist Award, recognizing local youth (or youth-led efforts) who are making a powerful impact through nonprofit volunteer service, charitable giving or nonprofit leadership. The first 3VCF Young Philanthropist Award will be presented during the 25th annual Tri-Valley Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fellowship Breakfast, which 3VCF will host on Jan. 26 at the Palm Event Center in the Vineyard.

To donate to the NextGen Fund, visit www.3vcf.org, click on DONATE and go directly to the donation portal, or email info@3vcf.org. Donors wishing to support the Little League International Intermediate World Series through the fund should designate LLIWS under additional notes and contribute by Aug. 30.

For LLIWS sponsorship opportunities and options, download this sponsorship packet or contact Stephnee Leathers at stephneeleathers@gmail.com.

Now in its 12th year, the Little League International Intermediate (50/70) World Series is held annually. This year’s version is set for July 27-Aug. 3, with games played by 13-year-olds on a field between the size of a Little League diamond and a full-size layout.

The tournament welcomes 12 teams  — six from across the United States (including a host team from California’s District 57) and six international qualifiers — competing in U.S. and International pools. Last year, District 57’s Livermore Little League team delivered an impressive performance, advancing to the semifinals.

Danville Little League will represent District 57 this year. For the full tournament schedule, visit bit.ly/44wufq0





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Youth baseball roundup | News, Sports, Jobs

12U TRAVEL BASEBALL The Diamond Dawgs finished second in their bracket at the Lou Gehrig Iron Horse Classic this weekend in East Amherst. In their final game Sunday, the Diamond Dawgs fell to South Buffalo Brigade 14-8. Greyson Whitfield went 3 for 4 with a double and three RBIs; Jackson Butzer was 2 for 3 […]

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12U TRAVEL BASEBALL

The Diamond Dawgs finished second in their bracket at the Lou Gehrig Iron Horse Classic this weekend in East Amherst.

In their final game Sunday, the Diamond Dawgs fell to South Buffalo Brigade 14-8.

Greyson Whitfield went 3 for 4 with a double and three RBIs; Jackson Butzer was 2 for 3 with a pair of triples, an RBI and a run scored; Jaxson Swanson was 2 for 2 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored; Collin Bragg was 2 for 4 with three runs scored; Lukas Youngberg was 2 for 4 with a run scored; and Andrew Youngberg doubled for the Diamond Dawgs.

Whitfield and Bragg combined for 12 strikeouts on the mound.

——

In the semifinals, the Diamond Dawgs rallied from a 9-4 deficit to beat the Buffalo Bomb Squad 19-10.

Greyson Whitfield went 3 for 3 with two doubles, an RBI and two runs scored; Liam Mulkins was 3 for 4 with a home run, two RBIs and four runs scored; Curtis Spielman was 3 for 3 with a double, three RBIs and two runs scored; Collin Bragg was 2 for 4 with a home run, a double, four RBIs and two runs scored; Jackson Butzer, Huxley Hale and Andrew Youngberg each had a pair of hits.

Mulkins threw three shutout innings of relief, striking out seven while allowing just three hits. Whitfield had three strikeouts in the final inning.

——

In the quarterfinals Sunday morning, the Diamond Dawgs beat the Cayuga Heat 9-4.

Liam Mulkins hit a pair of doubles, drove in two runs and scored a run; Greyson Whitfield went 2 for 3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored; and Collin Bragg and Caden Lacki each doubled.

Huxley Hale allowed a run on four hits and no walks while striking out four in three innings. Mulkins struck out six in 2 1/3 innings of relief. Bragg got the final three outs, including a pair of strikeouts.

——

In their third game of pool play Saturday, the Diamond Dawgs beat the Hamburg Dawgs 12-0 in four innings.

Collin Bragg and Jaxson Swanson combined on a one-hitter with two strikeouts.

Jackson Butzer went 3 for 3 with three RBIs; Owen Carlberg was 2 for 3 with two RBIs and a run scored; and Bragg scored three runs for the Diamond Dawgs.

——

In their second game of pool play Saturday, the Diamond Dawgs lost to the Lakeview Lightning 15-5.

Collin Bragg hit a home run, drove in two runs and scored twice; Liam Mulkins had two hits, an RBI and a run scored; and Lukas Youngberg doubled and scored a run.

——

In their opening game of pool play, the Diamond Dawgs lost to the Grand Island Vikings 19-10 on Friday.

Greyson Whitfield went 2 for 3 with two RBIs and two runs scored while Curtis Spielman was 2 for 2 with two RBIs.



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Preview, schedule, young stars and how to watch live

More than 4,000 athletes from 50 delegations are heading to North Macedonia for the 2025 European Youth Summer Olympic Festival (EYOF) over the coming week. EYOF 2025 will be the largest multi-sport event in North Macedonia’s history, with the festival providing an ideal stage for future Olympians to compete, and athletes who hope to take […]

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More than 4,000 athletes from 50 delegations are heading to North Macedonia for the 2025 European Youth Summer Olympic Festival (EYOF) over the coming week.

EYOF 2025 will be the largest multi-sport event in North Macedonia’s history, with the festival providing an ideal stage for future Olympians to compete, and athletes who hope to take part at the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 next year.

Running from 20-26 July, young athletes aged 14 to 18 will feature across 15 sports, primarily in the country’s capital of Skopje, where the opening and closing ceremonies will also be held.

A total of 11 sports will take place in Skopje, with the North Macedonian city of Kumanovo hosting the basketball, road cycling and mountain biking.

The Croatian city of Osijek will host the artistic gymnastics.



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State says it will continue support following federal shutdown of LGBTQ youth emergency line

Photo courtesy Pixabay. The LGBTQI+ Youth Subnetwork of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is shutting down as of July 17, following a federal decision announced last month to end this specialized service, the Washington State Department of Health said. Since launching in 2022, the subnetwork has provided tailored support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, […]

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Photo courtesy Pixabay.

The LGBTQI+ Youth Subnetwork of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is shutting down as of July 17, following a federal decision announced last month to end this specialized service, the Washington State Department of Health said. Since launching in 2022, the subnetwork has provided tailored support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual and two-spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) youth ages 13 to 24.

According to a health department news release, LGBTQIA2S+ youth have a higher risk of suicide and other mental health concerns due to historic and ongoing structural violence and discrimination. The specialized line has provided a safe, affirming space where trained counselors — many of whom were from the LGBTQIA2S+ community themselves– help with mental health crises, substance use concerns, and access to resources for longer-term support.

In Washington state, the LGBTQI+ Youth Subnetwork line receives an average of 830 calls, 270 texts, and 224 chats each month. Its closure is expected to increase demand on the main 988 Lifeline and could reduce visibility for LGBTQIA2S+ needs, which will affect access to care during a crisis. the health department said.

“We’re deeply concerned about the loss of this vital service,” said Michele Roberts, the department’s assistant secretary for prevention and community health. “The LGBTQI+ Youth Subnetwork has been a critical resource for LGBTQIA2S+ youth and young adults with affirming care tailored to meet their unique needs. While this closure is a setback, our commitment to protecting and improving the health of all Washingtonians remains strong. Our state is ready to serve anyone who contacts 988, including LGBTQIA2S+ youth and young adults.”

Support remains available

The 988 Lifeline, now entering its third year of free, confidential, 24/7/365 support, will remain available through Washington’s three contracted crisis centers. In response to the subnetwork’s sudden closure, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is working to ensure the state’s 988 crisis counselors are trained to support LGBTQIA2S+ youth and young adults.

“Our crisis counselors will continue to provide compassionate, accessible care and support to anyone,” said Levi Van Dyke, chief behavioral health officer at Volunteers of America Western Washington, one of the three Washington 988 Lifeline crisis centers and one of the crisis centers that answered the LGBTQI+ Youth Subnetwork line. “They are always ready to listen and help you and your loved ones.”

People who contact the 988 Lifeline can still get free, confidential and specialized services available 24/7/365 from three other subnetworks:

  • Veterans Crisis Line – for veterans and military families
  • Spanish Subnetwork – for Spanish-speaking individuals
  • Native & Strong Lifeline – available in Washington for Native and Indigenous people

You can also use these resources to get help with mental health and substance use concerns, thoughts of suicide, and other kinds of emotional distress:

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Chicopee camp helping keep kids engaged with academics, athletics

CHICOPEE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – The COVID-19 pandemic kept a lot of people, especially kids, indoors for a while and forced them to not be fully engaged in physical sports and other hobbies, but one summer camp in Chicopee has spent the last few years working to change that. With the weather being hot, humid, and […]

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CHICOPEE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – The COVID-19 pandemic kept a lot of people, especially kids, indoors for a while and forced them to not be fully engaged in physical sports and other hobbies, but one summer camp in Chicopee has spent the last few years working to change that.

With the weather being hot, humid, and beautiful, summer camp season is in full swing for kids of many ages, but what if we told you there was a camp where young people could be exposed to both athletics and high school level academics. That’s where Camp Elevate comes in. “There’s so much hands-on and such a variety of things,” said camp director Adam Tanguay. “…We’re introducing all of the Chicopee students to both high schools, so it depends where they’re going in the future. We’re hoping that they’ll be comfortable in that environment as well.”

Beginning in 2021, the mostly city-funded camp allows Chicopee middle schoolers to enjoy sports and other activities, which they were not able to do during the pandemic. At first, it was a half-day camp where those kids could put their devices down and be introduced to athletics and coaches. However, the demand for an all-day camp went up and it has introduced these students to so much more. “It’s not just sitting in the classroom and doing things. They’re doing actually science experiments, building model rockets and launching them,” Tanguay added.

This is now the second year of the full-day camp offered by Chicopee Public Schools. The registration fee is just $30. For the last two weeks, Camp Elevate has been at Chicopee High and, on Thursday, our crew saw dozens of kids do nothing but enjoy themselves. Campers we spoke with, like 12-year-old Kalil Taal, shared what they love the most about it. “My favorite activity is probably basketball because I just love basketball,” he said. “You do a bunch of fun activities and then a mix with academics, too.”

Tanguay told Western Mass News the campers have a lot to look forward to as the summer rolls on. “We’ve had the mayor come in and speak to some of our students, which was a great opportunity to ask some questions about civics. Chicopee resh is coming in next week to do a demonstration for our sixth and seventh graders and we’re going to take them roller skating,” he explained.

Camp Elevate continues at Chicopee Comprehensive High School for the next two weeks. They are at capacity and transportation, breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are all provided.



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