6.5. SR 12-15-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Grants to Political Subdivisions Amateur Sports Hall of Fame (Elk River) AGENCY CAPITAL BUDGET REQUEST Fiscal Years 1998-2003 Dollars in Thousands ($137,500 = $138 thousand) Project Narrative positive social values, and broadens the playing field by giving everyone a chance to participate. This is especially true for females who, until recently, have had limited opportunities available to them for participation in a variety of sports and athletic events. Amateur athletics is a vehicle for networking in the community. Athletes can find jobs through friends and teammates and develop resources that can assist them in their lives. Sports can also help build a sense of community and belonging that individuals of all ages often find lacking in their everyday lives. Necessity for a Multipurpose Sports Complex Since it inception in 1982, the Minnesota Sports Federation has grown from an organization serving 67,000 amateur athletes in Minnesota, to its current program level of 232,000 participants. This growth has reflected the dramatic population growth in the state during the same period. According to the Minnesota Department of Tourism, "Between 1980 and 1994, Minnesota's population grew significantly faster than any other Midwest state." Team memberships in the Minnesota Sports Federation has also mirrored this exciting growth over the past 15 years as seen in the following growth chart: Year NumerofTeams 1982 4,461 1986 7,914 1991 9,588 1996 10,637 Dramatic growth in sports such as Junior Olympic Softball and youth basketball and volleyball has placed great pressure on the organization to meet the increasing interest and demand of amature athletes. Unfodunately, due to the lack of availability and oftentimes prohibitive facility rental costs, the MSF is unable to expand existing programs or initiate new ones that would greatly enhance membership services and/or serve the needs of special populations and provide greater gender equity. In 1987 the Minnesota State High School League removed restrictions on off-season play, thus allowing players the opportunity to hone skills in formal leagues and camps throughout the year. As a result, participation in youth leagues and other off-season camps and programs has skyrocketed. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported in February 1997 that "In many communities in the metro area, participation is so great that youth directors are scrambling to find gym space. This winter 1,200 boys and about 600 girls are playing basketball in youth programs in Eden Prairie alone." Female Participation in Amateur Athletics Women and girls have become more involved in sports at alt levels throughout the state since the inception of the 1972 Title IX law prohibiting gender discrimination in educational institutions and the principle of gender equity that asserts the value of equitable participation by, and treatment of, men and women in intercollegiate athletics. Yet, a lack of sufficient and adequate sports facilities continue to limit females interested in participating in amateur athletics. The benefits to girls who participate in sports are impressive. According to the Women's Sports Foundation, girls active in sports are 92% less likely to get involved with drugs, 80% less likely to have an unwanted pregnancy and 3 times more likely to graduate from high school. The Melpomene Journal reported in 1992 that girls derive confidence in themselves and their ability from physical activity and positive self-esteem through challenge, risk-taking experiences and skill development. Women too are finding great benefits from active participation in sports. The Women's Sports Foundation has stated that women who participate in sports have high levels of self-esteem, less depression, and are more satisfied with their lives. In addition, exercise has shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, breast cancer, and other illnesses. MSF is dedicated to providing greater opportunities for women and girls to actively participate in sports. If additional indoor and outdoor amateur sports facilities were available, the scope of MSF programs could be increased significantly in the areas of sports tournaments for men and women of all ages, research, coaches/player training, programs for the physically challenged and senior citizens' recreational activities. Activity Opportunities for the Physically Challenged and Mentally Disabled As society has encouraged physical activity for those who are physically challenged and mentally disabled, sports and recreation has become an integral part of their everyday lives. Physical activity benefits these participants in several ways. While physical activity stimulates systems of the body which may otherwise be unused, it also helps a person to develop confidence, self-esteem and a sense of belonging One problem has been a lack of facilities which allow the challenged and mentally disabled population to experience multiple forms of activity. The variety of activi[ies planned for the Minnesota Amateur Sports and Wellness Center will be appreciated by the entire population. The ability to reach a segment of the population, which is 11/18/97 02:43 P