The Greater Columbus Sports Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, operated by the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. Our mission is to support the development of amateur athletes and facilitate the national and international competition space as a platform for positive social impact.
In support of the mission of the Greater Columbus Sports Foundation, we focus on impacting the community in many ways: educate and engage youth and amateur athletes, foster community wellness, elevate women in sports, encourage DEIA conversations and make sports events more sustainable.
Youth and Amateur Athletics Support
When focusing on the development of youth amateur athletes, we recognize that there can be barriers for participation or introduction to sport. The Greater Columbus Sports Foundation will work to eliminate or reduce these barriers by:
Reducing cost as a barrier to participation in leagues, camps, clinics or other educational sport opportunities.
Working to provide access to attend sporting events or other activities so amateur athletes can see and experience a sport encouraging interest and participation.
Providing health and wellness education through participation.
Creating a positive learning environment, empowering healthy young minds, leadership development, and sharing how sport can be a positive educational tool and resource in life.
Since 2021, we've hosted Community Youth Camp, a four-day sports sampling camp for 6 to 12-year-olds. More than 90% of kids who attend Community Youth Camp attend on scholarship.
Started in 2024, Community Youth Clinics are run in collaboration with sports organizations and are scheduled during a major sporting event in Columbus. Examples include:
Ice Skating with U.S. Figure Skating and Learn to Skate USA
Girls Basketball with the Women's Basketball Coaching Association and NCAA DIII All-Star Team
Volleyball with USA Volleyball
Fencing with 2-4-1 and USA Fencing
Pickleball with the Girl Scouts and APP
Promoting Girls and Women in Sports
We are committed to supporting girls and women in their desire to grow in sport, fitness, and leadership. We will strive to support this space advocating for equity in opportunities to participate, providing resources, and access. In addition, we will work to generate community and provide education for women to grow and thrive through a common theme of athletics.
Our work for girls and women in sport has allowed us to connect and serve groups like Ruling Our Experiences (ROX) and the YWCA. We’ve helped to support research and additional needs for these groups so they can continue to provide girls and women with fundamental resources.
Women's sports have always been big in Columbus. From the youth and high school level through college and international competitions, women win here. As early as 1897 - just six years after it was invented - high school girls were playing organized basketball in Columbus. Columbus also has a founding team in the new Pro Volleyball Federation, the Fury, that began play in early 2024 at Nationwide Arena.
Check out this page to see other ways in which women win in Columbus!
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
We are committed to using sports as a platform for healthy conversation promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in sports and in the community. In conjunction with our event partners, we are excited to host community events facilitating dialogue, sharing experiences, and best practices in and around sports.
Recently, the Greater Columbus Sports Foundation lent support to the following events:
2024 U.S. Figure Skating – Panel Discussion “Breaking the Ice: Exploring Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Figure Skating”
2024 Cinema Columbus Film Festival, Presented by CAPA - Opening Night Film - “False Positive”, a documentary film about Olympic sprinter Butch Reynolds
2024 USA Fencing Championships – Panel Discussion “Fencing the Gap” a discussion on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Fencing
Environmental Conscientiousness and Sustainability
We are committed to being environmentally conscious when hosting or servicing events, understanding that these leave a footprint on the community. We will work to educate Columbus on the importance of recycling and sustainability when participating in or supporting athletic competitions in Columbus. We partner with event owners to ensure their gatherings are not only memorable but also environmentally responsible. This involves implementing strategies such as reducing waste through recycling and composting, providing alternatives to one-time use items, and promoting digital solutions to minimize paper use. Additionally, we encourage community impact projects by providing volunteer opportunities for attendees or accepting donations at the conclusion of the event.
GCSC provided Water Monsters to event organizers to encourage attendees to refill personal water bottles
GCSC partnered with SWACO at the 2024 Community Cup where they provided portable recycling bins
USA Volleyball donated volleyballs to clinic participants at the 2024 USAV Adult Opens
USA Fencing collected donations of used fencing gear to be refurbished and donated to clubs and community groups
Multiple events donate leftover nonperishable food to organizations like the Ronald McDonald House
Check out our recent collaboration with SWACO and their podcast.
Community Health and Wellness
We support the individuals in our community and their ability to be active and thrive. We are committed to investing in education and activities that support their health, sport and fitness education, and wellbeing, creating a stronger Columbus.
