Sports teach our youth team-working skills, discipline, sportsmanship, and a multitude of other life skills. Tulsa Public Schools athletics department works to ensure students have the opportunity and option to experience the sports of their choice.

Tulsa Public Schools provide junior high and middle school students five athletic offerings and 13 to high school students. To properly maintain and grow these programs, funding is essential. 

On December 17, 2020, Dicks Sporting Goods Foundation presented Tulsa Public Schools Athletics with a $25,000 check as part of their Sports Matter Program. "Sports build character, increase confidence motivate kids to stay in school, aim for higher education; teaching life lessons that extend well beyond the playing field. We know the importance of getting kids back on the field when it's safe to do so and are honored to support Tulsa Public School Athletics with $25,000 to help," said Kari Sumpter, Community Marketing Manager, Dick's Sporting Goods. 

In a time where social distancing is a must and large gatherings aren't possible, this donation is well needed. For winter indoor sports, the Athletics department is allowing only two parents or guardians per student free admission, which means our schools aren't generating revenue from games. The annual Tournament Of Champions has been canceled, another major source of income for Tulsa Public Schools athletics. 

"We are very pleased to accept this outstanding grant from Dick's Sporting Goods. During this time, for this outstanding company to make this kind of commitment to high school athletics speaks volumes about Dick's commitment to youth sports. This donation comes at a time when we are not able to allow spectators on our campus due to the virus. This will make a huge difference in each of our 19 secondary schools," said Gil Cloud, Executive Director of Athletics and Activities for Tulsa Public Schools.

Gil shared that this funding will be used district-wide in all of our 19 secondary schools for equipment. Right now, the biggest concern due to lack of funding is how next year will look. Athletics must prepare to replace equipment for the health and safety of student-athletes and coaches. Gil shared that, "If we are unable to provide proper equipment, we may have to limit participation. We really do not want to do that."

Our district and Athletics department are determined to ensure our schools have the funding to continue to offer sports to students. We are all in and appreciate the assistance from our community at large.

To contact or learn more about Tulsa Public Schools Athletics, click here. 

Persons wanting to make a tax free donation to TPS Athletics can do so through the athletics department at the ESC by contacting Gil Cloud, Executive Director of Athletics, at 918-746-6454 or by email at cloudgi@tulsaschools.org.