In a significant move to channel youth potential and promote physical and mental well-being, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level review meeting of the Youth Services & Sports Department (YS&S) to evaluate its performance and shape a future roadmap for youth engagement in Jammu and Kashmir.
Describing sports as a vital tool to foster discipline and deter drug abuse, Dulloo emphasized the department’s key role in building a fit, focused, and drug-free society. “Every young person should be connected to at least one sport,” he said, noting that sports instill teamwork, purpose, and resilience.
Highlighting the substantial progress in infrastructure, Dulloo praised the department for creating stadiums, indoor arenas, and playgrounds that now match national standards. He encouraged optimal use of these facilities through regular community events and larger state-level competitions to discover and showcase local talent.
Dulloo also directed the department to tap into the UT’s natural water bodies by initiating water-based sports at Manasbal Lake and organizing competitive events at Ranjit Sagar Lake in Kathua, expanding the scope of adventure sports in the region.
The meeting also saw the release of the Annual Sports Calendar, as well as coffee table books and compendiums highlighting the UT’s sporting journey, infrastructure growth, and emerging athletes.
Commissioner Secretary YS&S, Sarmad Hafeez, gave a detailed overview, noting that millions of youth have participated in sports events at block, district, and UT levels. He affirmed that J&K’s sports infrastructure is now on par with national benchmarks and reiterated plans to collaborate with national sports bodies to bring major tournaments to the region.
Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, highlighted grassroots initiatives, ongoing infrastructure upgrades, and the impact of trained coaches across disciplines. She expressed confidence that, with sustained efforts, athletes from J&K would soon earn national and international recognition.
The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to foster a dynamic and inclusive sports culture in J&K, using sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment, community development, and overall societal well-being.

DICKINSON — With the help and guidance of Aaron Becher — Forum Communication’s vice president of newspaper operations — this-week’s show gets an inside look at what is coming your way for new items at The Dickinson Press and via Forum, which include broadcasting of prep athletics and the expanding footprint of the Midwest-based media outlet, while the entire Dickinson community will benefit from next-week’s 50-team Diamond Classic softball tournament at Sanford Sports Complex as athletes, fans and families descend upon the area for that special event, with Justin Sayler — the organization’s treasurer — discusses the economic and athletic impact of that upcoming tournament.

We break down this-week’s specials (including breakfast-sammiches and other delightful treats) at show-hosts Players Sports Bar & Grill and all the upcoming and new menu items at Dickinson’s favorite sports bar on, as Handsome Rob has previously indicated: Dickinson’s #1-rated sports show (we’re tabulating the Internet data while you read this). We throw in a few updates from area youth- and prep-sports for good measure, while giving some insight into upcoming stories The Dickinson Press will be covering in the next-7 days, along with the Big Sticks Breakdown video segment from last week.

Courtesy of Darby

Prep sports in the local area are have wound-down, but there’s a ton of recreational sports to enjoy, so strap in the seatbelts and enjoy this-week’s show …

Gaylon is a sportswriter from Jensen Beach, Fla., but has lived all over the world. Growing up with an athletic background gave him a love of sports that led to a journalism career in such places as Enid, Okla., Alamogordo, N.M., Pascagoula, Miss. and Viera, Fla. since 1998. His main passion is small-town community sports, particularly baseball and soccer.

This Coastal Connection is sponsored by Baths by Spicer Bros. 

MILTON, Del. — Golfers gathered at The Rookery Golf Course in Milton on Monday, June 9, not just for competition but to support a cause: the Jason Anderson Foundation for Youth Sports.

The foundation, created in memory of Jason Anderson, helps ensure children can play sports regardless of their family’s financial situation. Anderson was 33 years old when he died in a car accident in 2015.

“It’s one of the things that kind of keeps us going,” said Marc Anderson, Jason’s father. “You never accept what happens. You never get used to it. And people can tell you, ‘It’s been ten years, you should be fine.’ Trust me, you’re not. But for us, it’s our ability to continue to contribute in Jason’s honor and his name.”

Marc said his son had a deep passion for sports from a young age. He recalled Jason insisting on staying through the end of baseball games, even when the Orioles were losing and it was late on a school night.

That passion carried into Jason’s professional life. He went on to work with major organizations, including the New Orleans Saints and Dover Motorsports. His family said giving back through the foundation felt natural.

“He was just one of those people,” Marc said. “You know, when they say good people die young, he was one of those. He was just a great guy, would do anything for you.”

The past decade has been difficult, but Marc said Jason’s 11-year-old son, Ryan, brings comfort. Ryan enjoys soccer, is starting to play golf, and recently expressed interest in baseball and basketball.

“He’s just like Jason,” Marc said. “Same great personality.”

Since its founding in 2016, the Jason Anderson Foundation has raised $80,000 for the community. Marc hopes the life lessons Jason learned through sports — teamwork, leadership and friendship — will live on through the children the foundation supports.

The BHUSD Board of Education approved the two new leadership appointments for the athletic department on June 10. (photo courtesy of BHUSD)

On June 10, the Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education voted 5-0 to approve the appointment of Steve Lawson as the new director of athletics and Joint Powers Agreement, along with Devon Saxon as assistant director of athletics and JPA.

“These are the right people at the right time,” Board of Education President Rachelle Marcus said. “Steve and Devon bring the experience, vision and dedication needed to take our athletics program to the next level.”

As part of their roles, Lawson and Saxon will also support oversight of the Joint Powers Agreement between BHUSD and the city of Beverly Hills. The JPA governs the shared use, maintenance and scheduling of city and district facilities, a critical partnership that enhances access, safety and programming for students and the broader community. Having athletic leaders in these positions ensures strong alignment between school needs and city resources.

A respected leader and former U.S. Army soldier, Lawson brings decades of high-level experience in coaching, program development and athletic administration. He is a U.S. Open champion, Pan American Games bronze medalist, and Olympic Festival silver medalist, and has served as head wrestling coach at El Dorado High School for more than 27 years. During his tenure, he led teams to multiple league and CIF titles and coached 18 individual CIF champions, including a California State Champion.

Lawson is also the founder and director of SCWAY – State of California Wrestling Alliance for Youth – one of the state’s most impactful youth athletics organizations. SCWAY currently serves over 2,800 athletes and 75 clubs and under Lawson’s leadership, has become a model for youth development, athletic safety and coach training. Known for his disciplined yet student-centered approach, Lawson combines military precision with a deep belief in the character-building power of sports.

“Steve’s background is extraordinary,” Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss said. “He is not only a champion athlete and a veteran, but a visionary builder of programs who has proven time and again that he knows how to lead teams, inspire young people and drive excellence at every level. His leadership will elevate BHUSD athletics for years to come.”

Working alongside Lawson is Saxon, a decorated cheer coach and educator who brings energy, creativity and proven results to the role of assistant director. Saxon has led Birmingham Community Charter High School’s cheer program to six CIF-LA City Division I titles, two CIF State runner-up finishes and consistent national recognition. Named the 2024 California Coaches Association Cheerleading Coach of the Year, Saxon is also a CIF-LA Cheerleading co-coordinator, overseeing logistics and competition planning for more than 80 school teams.

Saxon’s strong background in education, school operations, and hospitality leadership rounds out this dynamic team, providing a sharp focus on systems, equity and student experience.

For information, visit bhusd.org.

Some things that friends of Tom Wellen may not know about him: He fled the state to avoid being arrested and he survived a meteorite storm that gave him powers that led to him becoming a superhero — a career he had to give up due to a severe spandex allergy.