Park City’s Youth Sports Alliance wins prestigious national leadership award

YSA goes to Washington. Photo: Larry Haubner

Park City, Utah—The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition has selected the Youth Sports Alliance (YSA) to receive a 2024 President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition Community Leadership Award, which celebrates leaders who are building more vibrant and thriving communities through sports, physical activity, fitness, and nutrition-related programs.

YSA Programs Director Heather Sims traveled to D.C to accept the prize last week.

The award is given annually to individuals or organizations who are working to uplift their communities, contributing to the community’s overall well-being, and supporting all community members’ potential to thrive.

The Park City-based nonprofit, founded as a legacy of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Games, aims to bring the benefits of physical activity to all children, regardless of family finances, gender, race, or abilities. YSA engages over 3,800 youth annually in sports and healthy lifestyle activities through their nationally-recognized afterschool programs, scholarships, and financial support for winter sports teams, ensuring every child has the opportunity to participate.

 “We are proud to recognize YSA for the work they have done to consistently promote opportunities for individuals to lead healthy lifestyles through their Get Out & Play and ACTiV8 afterschool programs,” says Rayhaan Merani, Executive Director of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition in a statement. “Because of the YSA’s meaningful efforts and impactful contributions, we are one step closer to improving the physical fitness, health, and nutrition of all Americans. Their work reaches not only the Wasatch Back, but also serves as a shining example to inspire and motivate others across the United States to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle.”

“Our work at YSA is rooted in the belief that access to sports can transform lives,” said Emily Fisher, YSA Executive Director in a statement. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and community partners in ensuring that every child can lead a healthy, active lifestyle.”

This year, the President’s Council presented the Community Leadership Award to 20 recipients across the country. These individuals and organizations have made a significant impact by advancing the Council’s mission, and effectively serving the people in their communities through sports, physical activity, fitness, and nutrition-related programs.

The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition (PCSFN) is a Federal advisory committee supported by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion within the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The mission of the President’s Council is to promote healthy eating and physical activity for all people, regardless of background or ability.