We are proud to officially launch the Sport Oregon Foundation’s next major initiative: Play Oregon.

Play Oregon is building a future where every child, regardless of their background or circumstance, has access to the physical and mental benefits of sport. We support inclusive spaces that build confidence, foster community, and promote lifelong well-being.

By removing barriers and engaging communities across the state, Play Oregon ensures that sport isn’t a privilege for a few; it’s a right for all. When more Oregonians are active, our communities grow stronger, healthier, and more connected.

EXPANDING ACCESS FOR YOUTH

Play Oregon works to remove the barriers that prevent children from being active and staying involved in sports. We believe sport is a right, not a privilege, and we’re committed to creating inclusive, welcoming environments where all children can play, develop, and thrive.

Financial

Children from low-income families are less than half as likely to play sports compared to their higher-income peers.

Geographic

In schools with lower socio-economic status (like Title 1 schools with free and reduced lunch programs), only about 25% of children participate in sports.

Systemic

There are differences in sports participation by race—41% of White youth ages 6-17 play sports regularly, compared to 37% of Hispanic youth and 35% of Black youth.

Source: Aspen Institute, Project Play

BENEFITS OF EXPANDING ACCESS

Stronger Community

The benefits of sport go far beyond the game itself. From higher test scores and lower depression rates to stronger leadership skills, we believe active youth become thriving adults.

Mental Health

Regular physical activity reduces the risk of depression by up to 30% (World Health Organization).

Cognitive Performance

Active children can score up to 40% higher on tests, show better attention, memory, and classroom behavior, and are 15% more likely to attend college (Aspen Institute, Project Play).

Physical Health

Children who participate in sports are eight times more likely to stay physically active as adults compared to those who do not play sports. (Aspen Institute, Project Play).

HOW WE ARE DOING IT

ELITE SPORTS ACADEMY

This summer, Play Oregon is proud to partner with Elite Sports Academy to launch a powerful new initiative: Go to Camp, Give a Camp. Together, we are creating life-changing opportunities for children across Oregon by making summer camp more accessible and impactful than ever before.

Founded in 2015, Elite Sports Academy is committed to providing transformative camp experiences for low-income and minority youth. Through our partnership, every paid camp registration also covers the cost for another child to attend camp at no cost. This approach doubles the impact and expands access to the physical, mental, and social benefits of sport and play.

This collaboration reflects the mission of Play Oregon to break down barriers and ensure that all children have the opportunity to move, grow, and connect through sport. Together, we are building a more inclusive and sustainable future, one camp experience at a time.

With support from Pat Casey’s Soar4 Foundation, committed to strengthening Oregon through Hunger, Housing, Health, and Education, and Daimler Truck North America—helping to keep kids active and thriving, this partnership is poised to make a powerful impact.

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

This summer, Play Oregon is teaming up with the Portland Trail Blazers to offer two free youth basketball clinics, one in the Portland Metro area and one in Salem. Led by experienced Trail Blazers Camp instructors, these clinics are designed to provide accessible, high-quality basketball experiences for kids in underserved communities.

Each participant will receive a co-branded Play Oregon x Trail Blazers shirt. Clinics will take place in July and August, with registration details coming soon.

WANT TO HELP FUND PLAY OREGON?

Or email us at info@sportoregon.org for more info