PHOENIX, AZ — MaxInMotion® announces the completion of the inaugural cycle of grants in collaboration with Coyotes Charities and the Arizona youth hockey community. Among the recipients were those pursuing an opportunity to participate in the Fall 2012 through Spring 2013 competitive hockey seasons, as well as a Foundation that has introduced more than 1,000 children age four to 12 to the game for the first time.
“The youth hockey community in our state is a growing, active group; deserving of support because of their sportsmanship and effectiveness in teaching kids the importance of teamwork in competition,” said Jonah Shacknai, MaxInMotion® President. “Knowing that more boys and girls will be able to participate this upcoming season, some for the first time, is very rewarding to MaxInMotion’s® supporters.”
MaxInMotion® funding will help pay for learn-to-skate programs which cost approximately $700 per child for a full year. The grants will also help cover fees for recreational hockey leagues, which focus on skill development, teamwork and physical fitness in a fun environment. These costs are approximately $850 for a full year. When it comes to competitive hockey leagues, the costs range between $3,500-$7,000 a year, not including travel or the additional $500 or more, for standard hockey equipment.
“I was excited to learn about the MaxInMotion® scholarship program and was thrilled with the contributions made to help kids in our organization,” said George Bird, finance director for Arizona Runners Hockey. “As the treasurer for our hockey club, it was my happy duty to communicate the scholarship awards to the families and see the expressions of gratitude and thankfulness for MaxInMotion’s® generous contributions. The organization’s generosity brought joy and relief to these parents who have been struggling to find a way to let their kids participate in a sport they love. It is great to see that there are organizations like this out there,” said Bird.
The Phoenix Junior Coyotes Youth Hockey Program agrees. “The entire Jr. Coyotes program is very grateful that MaxInMotion® was able to help out some of our players by keeping them on the ice and able to continue to participate with their team for this hockey season,” said Mike De Angelis, director of travel hockey for Phoenix Jr. Coyotes.
MaxInMotion® has developed partnerships with many youth sports organizations, including Coyotes Charities, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, Phoenix Suns Charities and the Arizona Youth Soccer Association. Grant applications are being fulfilled by each organization for their respective youth sport. Visit www.maxinmotion.org for more details.
MaxInMotion® provides much needed financial assistance to youth sports programs for underprivileged children and for the development of programs to include special needs populations in youth sports activities. Research shows that participation in youth sports enhances community values, interdependency, and collective responsibility. Physical fitness prevents childhood obesity and has also been linked to reducing school dropout rates, teen pregnancy and high-risk behaviors, all of which pose tremendous consequences to our society.
MaxInMotion® was founded in memory of Max Shacknai, who embodied the ideal young athlete: passionate, hard working, and incredibly committed to his teammates. To learn more or contribute visit www.maxinmotion.org