JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – February 24, 2016 – The YMCA of Florida’s First Coast is pleased to announce Jacksonville Sports Council as the 2016 recipient of the E. William Nash, Jr. Legend Award for the Community Partner of the Year. Presented at the 6th Annual Y-Bash held at the Florida Theatre on Tuesday, Feb. 23, the award acknowledges Jacksonville Sports Council for its 15-year partnership with the Y aimed at creating a better First Coast.
The partnership between the Jacksonville Sports Council and the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast has led to the success of two local events and the launch of an innovative program, all of which are designed to encourage Northeast Florida youth to be active and reach their full potential:
Healthy Kids Day. With the help from Jacksonville Sport Council affiliate, Gator Bowl Charities, the Y successfully celebrated Healthy Kids Day on May 2, 2015, inspiring kids to keep their minds and bodies active, while giving them actives and resources to achieve their potential all year long.
Healthy Kids Passport. During Healthy Kids Day, Jacksonville Sports Council launched its Healthy Kids Passport—an initiative that takes children on a journey throughout the First Coast to discover ways to be healthy, explore the arts and give back to the community.
TaxSlayer Bowl. Children who engaged in activities at the Y and other local organizations earned a ticket to the 2016 TaxSlayer Bowl. Gator Bowl Charities’ Send a Child to the Game Program gives deserving children the opportunity to take part in the unforgettable experience. More than 1,200 children attended the game this past January through this program.
“We are fortunate to have very loyal and long tenured partnerships with many local organizations that share the same value and passion for strengthening our community,” said YMCA of Florida’s First Coast president and CEO Eric Mann. “Jacksonville Sports Council’s is one of those partners, there commitment to youth development directly aligns with the Y’s mission to provide innovative programs that foster a healthier future for generations to come.”
YMCA of Florida’s First Coast recognizes its staff, volunteers and community partners annually at the Y-Bash, an event celebrating their community impact through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. At this year’s event, the Y announced its funding priorities for the following year and its goal to raise $1.7 million. This year’s four funding priorities include:
- Active Adults Creating Healthy Families and Communities
- Making Kids of All Ages Safe in the Water
- Academic and Life Achievement for Our Youth
- Helping Teens Become Leaders
Funding these priorities and the dedication of community partners such as Jacksonville Sports Council helps the Y build a strong, supportive foundation for the communities it serves. Past recipients of the E. William Nash, Jr. Legend Award for Community Partner of the Year include Baptist Health, Clay County School District, UF Healthcare and Vystar Credit Union.
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The Y
For more than 100 years, YMCA of Florida’s First Coast has been providing men, women and children of all ages, and from all walks of life, opportunities to build stronger bonds, live healthy and become more engaged with their communities. Learn more: www.FirstCoastYMCA.org.
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