Wenatchee council renews partnership with Wenatchee Valley Sports Foundation to continue youth scholarships

Wenatchee City Council on April 8 approved a renewal agreement with the Wenatchee Valley Sports Foundation to continue the foundation’s youth scholarship program and authorized the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services director to sign the agreement.

The renewal preserves a public–private partnership first formed in 2011 under which the foundation acts as a conduit for donations and distributes scholarships to cover youth sports registration fees. Parks and Recreation Director Dave Erickson told the council the program has funded scholarships for swim lessons, soccer and other youth activities and that the arrangement was recommended for approval by the Arts, Rec and Park Commission.

Ryan Harmon, president of the Wenatchee Valley Sports Foundation, said the scholarship program currently provides up to $150 per child per year toward registration (not equipment) and is targeted to families who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch or receive other state assistance. He said the foundation covers Chelan and Douglas counties and relies on donations and local fundraising events to support the fund.

Council members praised the program’s role in expanding access to recreation. A motion to approve the agreement was made by Council Member Atkinson and seconded by Council Member Hornby; the council voted to approve the agreement and authorized the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services director to sign.

The agreement replaces an earlier arrangement that Erickson said had been in place for about 14 years. Council members asked for the foundation’s social-media links so staff and elected officials could help promote the scholarship opportunity.