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Why the Penguins Goals Foundation Matters for Youth and Community

The Penguins Goals Foundation holds a unique place in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Much more than a community initiative tied to hockey, this foundation shines as a beacon of hope and opportunity. Its mission is clear and impactful—to break down barriers both on and off the ice. By making youth sports more accessible, promoting education, and building […]

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The Penguins Goals Foundation holds a unique place in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Much more than a community initiative tied to hockey, this foundation shines as a beacon of hope and opportunity. Its mission is clear and impactful—to break down barriers both on and off the ice. By making youth sports more accessible, promoting education, and building stronger communities, the Penguins Goals Foundation transforms lives far beyond the rink.

This blog explores why the Penguins Goals Foundation matters, how it enriches lives, and why supporting their initiatives is essential for fostering inclusivity and community well-being.

Removing Barriers in Sports

At its core, the Penguins Goals Foundation strives to make sports accessible to everyone. Hockey, like many sports, can often be financially and logistically out of reach for young athletes. From the cost of equipment to league fees, these obstacles can prevent many children from even stepping onto the ice. The foundation actively addresses this by developing programs and offering resources to open doors for underserved youth.

Take their youth sports initiatives as an example. By creating opportunities for children to get involved in hockey, the foundation ensures that financial or social barriers do not hold back young athletes. This gives kids not just the chance to play, but the chance to dream. Whether a child aims to make friends or one day don a professional jersey, breaking these barriers helps set the stage for lifelong success.

Focus on Youth Development

Youth sports do more than build athletic ability. They teach confidence, teamwork, resilience, and discipline. The Penguins Goals Foundation understands this and has made youth sports a central piece of its mission. Their goal is to “unleash potential, one game at a time.”

For children and teens, participating in sports is often a gateway to personal growth. Programs supported by the foundation encourage leadership development, healthy competition, and camaraderie among young players. For each child who benefits, the ripple effect extends to their schools, neighborhood, and beyond.

Programs like DEK Hockey make these benefits accessible to kids who may not have had a chance to participate otherwise. These initiatives provide skill-building tools, structured environments, and, most importantly, inclusivity so that every child feels they belong.

Championing Education

Education is another pillar of the Penguins Goals Foundation. Through their efforts, the foundation equips students with the tools needed for success both in school and later in life. Their emphasis on education goes beyond academics alone and focuses on teaching real-world skills and instilling self-belief in the next generation.

By integrating educational programs with sports initiatives, the foundation demonstrates that athletic pursuits and academics can work hand in hand. Kids who participate in their programs are taught that the discipline and hard work they bring to sports can directly translate into their studies, careers, and personal lives.

This approach is critical. There’s no denying that high-quality education paves the way for brighter futures. By advocating for and investing in education, the Penguins Goals Foundation makes a lasting difference across the region.

Building Stronger Communities

Hockey is more than a game; it’s a way to unite people from all backgrounds. Sport has the power to connect individuals and strengthen communities in ways that transcend the ice. The Penguins Goals Foundation recognizes this, making community engagement and support key aspects of its mission.

Through initiatives like hospital visits, partnerships with local schools, and support for animal shelters, the foundation provides invaluable resources and encouragement across Northeastern Pennsylvania. It’s not just the programs themselves that matter; it’s the message behind them. These efforts bring people together, inspire hope, and create a sense of belonging.

While direct involvement in programs like their DEK Hockey or 50/50 Raffles has a localized impact, the foundation’s overall focus enhances the culture and camaraderie of an entire region.

Signature Events that Unite and Inspire

The Penguins Goals Foundation is also known for its signature events, which serve as critical fundraising and community-building activities. These events go beyond raising money for charity. They shine a spotlight on inclusivity and accessibility for sports.

From friendly competitions to philanthropic drives, these gatherings bring fans, players, and supporters together around shared values. Each signature event highlights the foundation’s mission to remove barriers and celebrates the amazing potential of teamwork, both on the ice and off.

By contributing to these events, participants have the opportunity to see firsthand how their support translates into meaningful impact across a variety of programs.

Why Supporting Foundations Like This Matters

The Penguins Goals Foundation highlights a larger truth about the world of sports and community building. Supporting athletic opportunities, education, and neighborhood initiatives is about far more than wins or losses. It’s about giving every individual the shot to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.

Contributions to the foundation help strengthen bonds between people, ignite hope in younger generations, and pave the way for a more inclusive sports culture. By helping others overcome barriers, you’re not just changing individual lives; you’re investing in the betterment of entire communities.

The success and sustainability of programs like those offered through the Penguins Goals Foundation rely on the continued support of community members and fans. Whether you volunteer, attend events, or contribute financially, every bit helps keep these impactful initiatives alive.

Final Thoughts

The Penguins Goals Foundation reminds us that sports can serve as a powerful platform for progress and change. Through their focus on youth sports, education, and community support, the foundation creates opportunities for growth and inclusivity in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Their work fosters not only better athletes but stronger individuals, richer communities, and a future filled with endless potential. It is a mission worth celebrating and supporting because it represents what sports and life are truly about—breaking barriers, lifting others, and building a brighter path forward.

When you support the Penguins Goals Foundation, you offer more than funds or time. You extend opportunity, equity, and hope to people who need it most. That’s the kind of impact that lasts a lifetime.





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SEVENTEEN and UNESCO: Youth Well-Being Initiative

GLASGOW, Scotland — On June 26, 2024, K-Pop Group SEVENTEEN and UNESCO announced their joint initiative for youth well-being: “Going Together – For Youth Creativity and Well-Being.”  The initiative aims to promote youth expression and empower them to combat world issues. To do this, young people from around the world submitted proposals the initiative may […]

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GLASGOW, Scotland — On June 26, 2024, K-Pop Group SEVENTEEN and UNESCO announced their joint initiative for youth well-being: “Going Together – For Youth Creativity and Well-Being.”  The initiative aims to promote youth expression and empower them to combat world issues. To do this, young people from around the world submitted proposals the initiative may select to support. In February 2025, Going Together announced 100 winners from 70 countries.

SEVENTEEN and UNESCO

The sensational, cult-following Korean boy band SEVENTEEN is contributing $1 million to the youth initiative, according to UNESCO. The 13-member group made their first public appearance in 2015. Although immediately popular, the group’s fame has only grown. SEVENTEEN has received nominations for the iHeart Radio Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, American Music Awards and the Asia Artist Awards. Their album FML was the highest-selling record of 2023, and they have played iconic stages such as Glastonbury.

UNESCO is SEVENTEEN’s counterpart in the “Going Together – For Youth Creativity and Well-Being” initiative. UNESCO aims to fight global issues while particularly protecting education and culture. With its resources and international reputation, UNESCO will provide the tools to support the projects chosen by the initiative.

The Going Together Initiative

As said in its name, “Going Together” promotes youth creativity and well-being. The initiative supports projects led by young people aged 18 to 30 years old using music, the arts and sport to empower youth, according to UNESCO.

The initiative provides selected projects with funding, training sessions and mentoring to help develop their projects in a way that will result in the greatest positive impact possible. Support from the initiative will empower both individuals impacted by and who lead selected projects. The financial grant particularly increases cash flow into these challenge-stricken areas. Empowerment and increased funding combat poverty, an additional benefit from SEVENTEEN and UNESCO’s “Going Together – For Youth Creativity and Well-Being” Initiative.

Somalia: Kick Start for Equality

Led by Amoun Aden, Kick Start for Equality – Using Sports and Arts for Girls Rights, was selected by ‘Going Together’ in Somalia. Women lead the initiative and aim to use interaction with sport and the arts to foster stronger communal ties and to enhance women’s rights.

Kick Start for Equality is a part of the UBAH Inspire Initiative Organization. Established in 2017, UBAH strengthens confidence and social ties in women and girls through providing opportunities for involvement in sport, education, networking and skill development. The selection of its subsidiary by the ‘Going Together’ initiative will expand the organization’s impact, allowing it to empower more women and girls.

Other Initiatives

Due to the newness of the selected initiatives, information on project specifics is limited. However, most of the initiatives are in developing countries in Africa, South Asia and Latin America. For example, Project Palabasa is a project in the Philippines aiming to enhance youth literacy and interest in reading.

The intended impact of K-Pop Group SEVENTEEN and UNESCO’s youth well-being initiative is seen in their selection of projects globally that promote well-being through music, the arts and sport. These efforts impact poverty through empowering youth to combat global issues and increasing funds flowing into developing regions. With SEVENTEEN’s $1 million contribution and UNESCO’s expertise, this program could make a widespread positive impact.

– Madison Fetch

Madison is based in Glasgow, Scotland and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr



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Polk 6U baseballers rally to win Landrum tournament

The Polk County Wolverines 6U baseball team overcame early adversity to claim the Landrum Youth Association postseason tournament championship, capping a successful season with a dramatic comeback run. The Wolverines finished the season with a 10-4-1 record before entering tournament play, where they faced immediate challenges. After suffering an early elimination, the young squad mounted […]

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The Polk County Wolverines 6U baseball team overcame early adversity to claim the Landrum Youth Association postseason tournament championship, capping a successful season with a dramatic comeback run.

The Wolverines finished the season with a 10-4-1 record before entering tournament play, where they faced immediate challenges. After suffering an early elimination, the young squad mounted an impressive response, winning four consecutive games to secure the tournament title with a victory over Landrum in the championship game.

The championship run exemplified the resilience that defined the Wolverines’ season. Throughout the campaign, the team demonstrated consistent improvement and adaptability, overcoming various obstacles through collective effort and determination.

Head coach Chris Montgomery led the Wolverines alongside assistant coaches Kamron Kerr, Miles Bell and Chris Cochran. The coaching staff’s emphasis on fundamental development and positive team culture proved instrumental in the team’s success.

The championship roster included Kyler Kerr, Finn Abril, Sawyer Cochran, Brooks Settle, Ridge Bell, Ben Militana, Rhett Rogers, Lucas Guffey, Wyatt Cox, Colton Montgomery, Carter Montgomery and Finn Cox.



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El Modena’s CIF So Cal regional title hopes end in loss to Mater Dei Catholic –

El Modena players and coaches with the CIF So Cal Division I regional plaque. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone). It was a promising start for El Modena High School’s softball team in the CIF So Cal Regional Division I championship game Saturday afternoon. Kaitlyn Galasso led off the bottom of the first inning and […]

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El Modena players and coaches with the CIF So Cal Division I regional plaque. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

It was a promising start for El Modena High School’s softball team in the CIF So Cal Regional Division I championship game Saturday afternoon.

Kaitlyn Galasso led off the bottom of the first inning and Monica Garcia belted a home run to put the Vanguards ahead 2-0.

But No. 2-seeded Mater Dei Catholic from Chula Vista stayed close, then broke the game open with six runs in the fourth inning and went on to capture a 12-3 victory, securing the program’s second regional title.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Arri Romero went the distance for Mater Dei Catholic (27-7) scattering six hits and striking out nine. Mater Dei Catholic banged out 13 hits off starter Ashley Driskoll and relievers Jules Vega and Kylie Campana.

Top-seeded El Modena was trying to bring home the school’s first CIF So Cal regional title after losing to Norco last week in the CIF Division 1 final. A big turnout of fans from both schools packed the stands at El Modena.

“I knew we were going to compete as long as we could, it’s just unfortunate we ran out of bullets there at the end,” said El Modena Coach Bobby Calderon. “They’re legit, they have their full squad, you can’t take anything away from them. We knew what we were walking into.”

El Modena (23-10) was 12-2 at home going into the game.

“Us being here at home, obviously this is our home, we’ re comfortable and we do what we do, we came out and struck first and put is in a good situation, there are probably a couple opportunities that we wish we could capitalize a little more but we came up short and they kept playing, that’s the name of the game.”

Calderon was pleased with the start.

“Those girls, Kaitlyn Galasso and Monica Garcia have been carrying us all year,” Calderon said. “When they’re successful, we’re successful and they proved it, we just came up short.”

After Mater Dei Catholic cut the lead to 2-1 in the fourth inning, the Vanguards answered in the bottom of the inning with a run on an RBI single by Parker Mayes, who drove in Driskill who singled.

But in the fifth innning, Mater Dei Catholic used four hits, four walks and a hit batter to score seven runs. Analesse Garcia had the key hit, a bases clearing double. The Crusaders added five more runs in the seventh inning. Maya Matthies had a two-run home run and Garcia a solo home run in the inning.

Despite the tough ending, Calderon and the El Modena players remained proud of what the team accomplished. El Modena was ranked No. 1 in the final county poll by OC Varsity.

“To be honest with you, it was absolutely historic,” Calderon said. “You look at what we accomplished, winning the Dave Kops Tournament without one of our best players, winning the league title and obviously getting to the CIF Division 1 championship, El Modena has been in Division 1 only one other time.

“We came out, we were that close to a championship at the Division 1 level, we got to do this which was very important to our school, our community. You look at the tremendous amount of support we got here today, I think that sums it up. The crowd was awesome, we’re missing a lot of players (who opted out). For everyone to be here and want to be a part of it, and alumni showing up and parents of former players showing up, it’s exactly what you want to be a part of.”

Calderon said that four El Modena starters opted out and were not available for the final.

Garcia, the El Modena senior third baseman, was excited about the Vanguards’ start.

“Going into this game we all had the mindset of attacking early on every single pitch that we can,” Garcia said. “Obviously, she’s (Romero) is a really great pitcher so we just wanted to attack as hard as we can, that was my mindset was going into the at bat, put the ball hard in play and find a way to get the runner in and it happened to work out.”

Garcia was proud of what the team accomplished.

“I transferred in my junior year,” she said. “It’s probably the best environment that one can play softball at. Our coaches are super supportive of each other, our teammates have one of the best connection with each other, I think that this season was obviously super memorable, winning Dave Kops (Tournament), making CIF championship and obviously being here. It was definitely one of the best seasons that anyone could have.”

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Go to X (at OC Sports Zone) for post-game interviews and highlights by OC Sports Zone’s Adam Kunin.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com



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National Archery in the Schools Program fosters inclusivity and confidence in youth

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Championship, hosted by the International Bowhunting Organization, provided young archers with a unique opportunity to build confidence and social skills on Saturday. The event, held at the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center, saw participation from over 2,300 students in grades […]

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The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Championship, hosted by the International Bowhunting Organization, provided young archers with a unique opportunity to build confidence and social skills on Saturday.

The event, held at the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center, saw participation from over 2,300 students in grades four through 12, with some traveling from as far as Alaska.

Ryan Bass, Vice President of the International Bowhunting Organization, emphasized the inclusive nature of the competition. “Every kid can do it. This is a, what a confidence builder and what it does for a kid’s social abilities, and things that where every kid can come out here and compete,” said Bass. “They’re all using the same bows, the same arrows, shooting at the same targets. No matter where you come from, what walk of life, everybody can compete against everybody else on an even playing field.”

Participants in the tournament aimed to achieve the highest possible score of 300 by shooting at six different 3D targets.

The top archers have the chance to win a trophy or plaque and advance to the International Bowhunting Organization’s International Championships in West Virginia this August.

The NASP Championship alternates its host city each year between Myrtle Beach and Daytona.



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First-ever Memorial Bowl flag football championships take place in Great Falls

GREAT FALLS — To cap off the first-ever spring season in the new Great Falls NFL flag football league, the individuals who helped create the league set up the championships to be played at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. WATCH THE VIDEO: First-ever Memorial Bowl flag football championships take place Saturday in Great Falls “Let’s get […]

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GREAT FALLS — To cap off the first-ever spring season in the new Great Falls NFL flag football league, the individuals who helped create the league set up the championships to be played at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

First-ever Memorial Bowl flag football championships take place Saturday in Great Falls

“Let’s get the kids in (to Memorial Stadium), see what they’re going to eventually play in,” league founder George Fontanez said. “Get the parents out here … have the community out here, get some food trucks out here just to make it a big community event. And especially to have the kids play on the turf for the first time, it’s going to be awesome.”

Fontanez, alongside Mitchell Morris and Zack Ringler — a current assistant football coach at Great Falls High — grouped together to create this league, and with that the opportunity for kids to play for a championship in a setting they aren’t normally accustomed to.

Cody Westbrook is one of the coaches, and he said it gets the kids pumped up to play at Memorial Stadium.

“Because you get a big stadium like this, the kids are thinking they’re only getting to play in the back of a baseball field or at a practice field,” Westbrook said.

Some kids expressed their positive feelings about Saturday’s event, as well.

“Yeah, very excited,” Noah Lambers said.

“Pretty awesome,” Cooper Willis said.

“It’s a lot different and cooler,” Colt Popham said.

“It’s really cool,” Hurley Grant said. “In my tackle football league, we played in this for our championship and won it, so it’s really nice to be back here.”

Grant also has a nickname on the field.

“Mr. Touchdown,” Grant said. “Because my coach says every single game I score the most touchdowns and get MVP most of the time.”

Memorial Bowls will be held for every flag football season moving forward, Fontanez said.

“This just shows that the sky’s the limit,” Fontanez said. “If we can show it here, when we move to Helena and then eventually Butte, get something the same way to where we can all just bring all the cities together and say we did this, the kids, the families, the parents did this together. We all do this together. It wasn’t just one person.”

Fontanez and Westbrook both have been anticipating this day, too, they said.

“I want to win a championship today with my son,” Fontanez said. “My son is 6 years old. I told my wife this morning — and I kind of teared up thinking about it — 6 years old, I said this could be his first championship, and then we’re going to look back on it when he’s playing in the state championship in high school.”

“I get giddy every time,” Westbrook said. “I’m pumped up right now. This is kind of my favorite thing to do in life is coach, so this is probably something I’m going to do after I retire from my job and then continue it on. I love it. … I get pumped up for the kids every time.”





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Tumbling Toward Success: True Blue Athletics | Rockport Fulton

Notes: pg1, MUST, 6/12 Newspaper: Rockport Pilot Headline: Tumbling Toward Success: True Blue Athletics Byline: Walter Perry, rockport@southtexasnews.com Photo Names: True Blue Athletics Photo cutline: True Blue Athletics are teaching kids the basics of gymnastics Photo byline: Walter Perry Step inside the vibrant world of True Blue Athletics, and you’ll immediately feel it. Not just the […]

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Notes: pg1, MUST, 6/12

Newspaper: Rockport Pilot

Headline: Tumbling Toward Success: True Blue Athletics

Byline: Walter Perry, rockport@southtexasnews.com

Photo Names: True Blue Athletics

Photo cutline: True Blue Athletics are teaching kids the basics of gymnastics

Photo byline: Walter Perry

Step inside the vibrant world of True Blue Athletics, and you’ll immediately feel it. Not just the buzz of bouncing tumblers or the cheer of tiny voices, but the heartbeat of something bigger. That heartbeat belongs to Brittanee Cameron, the founder, head instructor, and the humble force behind one of Rockport’s fastest-growing youth athletic programs.

True Blue Athletics has already become a name kids chant and parents trust. But Cameron’s journey didn’t begin with big budgets or state-of-the-art equipment – it started with two donated mats and a dream.

“I was asked to run a free summer camp through the local youth football league,” Cameron recalls. “I said yes without knowing what it would become. That one camp changed everything.”

From those humble beginnings, holding tumbling classes in the park, mats laid out under the Texas sun, True Blue grew quickly. With each new student, Cameron saw more than just potential; she saw purpose. As interest exploded, the community began to rally around her mission: to give kids a safe, supportive, and fun place to grow stronger in both body and spirit.

“We moved from the park to a church fellowship hall,” she said. “Then to a school gym. But when that door closed, I wondered, ‘Is this really what I’m meant to do?’”

She didn’t have to wonder long. A building in town suddenly became available. At the same time, a gym in Louisiana was closing and selling equipment.

“It was perfect timing. A leap of faith, for sure. But I knew God was guiding every step,” she said.

Now, Cameron is preparing to expand again, into a brand-new, 8,000-square-foot facility. The new space will offer more than just tumbling and cheerleading. She envisions after-school programs, volleyball, martial arts, gymnastics, and adult fitness classes.

“We want to be a home base for every kind of athlete,” she said.

But Cameron’s story isn’t just about sports. It’s about resilience, faith, and community. She’s created a space where young girls perform cheer routines after just three days of camp, where boys get to build confidence and strength in a space just for them, and where college cheerleaders and working professionals alike volunteer their time to support the next generation.

“Sometimes I’d question if I was supposed to do this,” Cameron admits. “But every time I thought I’d hit a wall, another door opened. God had plans far beyond what I imagined.”

This summer, True Blue’s themed camps, like Barbie Week, Neon Camp, and a Boys’ Strength & Agility camp, are more than just fun and games. They’re a reflection of Cameron’s vision: blending athletic training with creativity, inclusivity, and mentorship.

And the kids? They’re not just learning cartwheels. They’re learning discipline. Confidence. Teamwork. They’re growing into who they’re meant to be, one tumble at a time.

So if you hear laughter echoing from the gym off the highway, if you see a group of glitter-covered kids cheering in unison, or if you spot a determined young girl landing her first back handspring, know that behind it all stands a woman who believed in something bigger, and built it, one mat at a time.

Brittanee Cameron isn’t just coaching a team. She’s leading a movement. And Rockport is cheering her on.



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