News from the San Jose Sports Authority |
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The San Jose Sports Authority is a non-profit organization whose mission is to increase the City of San Jose’s economic development, visibility and civic pride through sports. |
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A Letter from Executive Director, John Poch |
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Let’s not forget what it will take for our High School & Local College Sports to Return
We have all witnessed the impact of Covid-19 both personally and professionally. Our family, friends, colleagues and associates have all been impacted and as the calendar continues to turn, our progress is slow and the future still uncertain. There is no corner of life that hasn’t been touched or altered by the pandemic. And perhaps to no entity greater than our schools.
The Sports Authority has been intimately involved with all of our local sports leagues in the planning and preparations for the return to play through our COVID-19 Sports Advisory Committee. From the sudden postponement of all competitions in March to the restarts in the early summer months, we have seen and learned what it takes to get the teams back on the field of play; detailed planning, access to medical experts, venue control and the ability to conduct daily testing. All of these planning steps require an incredible amount of resources. It has been a challenge for our professional teams to make this progress to return to play. If our professional teams are challenged to make this happen, imagine the difficulties our high schools and local universities are facing.
In our community, all of our high school and college sports seasons, practices and camps have been canceled since March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many of these student-athletes, including high school and college seniors, are experiencing a sense of loss and resentment. As a former student-athlete, coach and sport administrator, I recognize the inherent value that sports have on coaches, students and our high school and college communities, and I know that after months of consistent hardship, they are going to need our support more than ever.
High school and college sports bring an enormous sense of pride to communities. It does not feel like September without the pageantry of high school “Friday Night Lights” and Saturday College Football. One thing to keep in mind is that, at one point, things will improve. Things may not be back to the old normal, but we will be able to get back outside and back to support our schools … but until then … let’s not forget the challenges they will face in their efforts to return to play. If you have supported your schools in the past, now is the time to increase your support. Resources are what it takes to bring our teams back to create a path for these student-athletes to do what they love most – compete in their favorite sporting competition.
Now is the time to join the team behind the team of your local high school and college. Don’t wait for them to call – take the initiative to reach-out and help – after all – that’s what it means to be a part of a community.
Be Well and Stay Safe.
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City of San Jose, TSJ announce Hotel Partnership "San Jose Cares" |
Last week, the City of San Jose and Mayor Sam Liccardo virtually announced a partnership with local San Jose hotels, coordinated by Team San Jose, to offer reduced rates starting at just $99 a night for evacuees and fire victims.
“My deep appreciation to our hotel partners and Team San José for opening their doors with these very low “San José Cares” rates for our evacuating families,” said San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. “Together, we’re showing that we are Silicon Valley Strong.”
The prices, known as “San Jose Cares” rates, are being offered by 13 local hotels. To book a room, please visit: sanjose.org/sanjosecares.
“San Jose’s hotel and hospitality community is a strong one and a tight one,” said John LaFortune, Chief Operating Officer at Team San Jose. “Through San Jose Cares, they are again showing their shared commitment to the people of our City--and their generosity.”
For Further information and updates on the local wildfire efforts, please visit siliconvalleystrong.org or follow @CAL_FIRE on social media.
To donate to wildfire victim relief funds, visit here or here.
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'Quakes Tickets for Drive-In Viewing Parties Now Available |
The San Jose Earthquakes made their debut in San Jose earlier this month as they returned to Earthquakes Stadium for the first time in nearly 6 months. Although the games are contested with no fans in attendance, there is still an opportunity to support the team with fellow fans. The Quakes are hosting drive-in viewing parties in the 7UP Epicenter at Earthquakes Stadium for both home and away games. Spots are limited so make sure to reserve your tickets ASAP!
September Drive-in Viewing Parties Schedule
The viewing parties are free to attend. There is a suggested donation of $25, $50 or $74 for the Quakes Foundation’s Pledge 74 campaign, which works to fight food insecurity in the South Bay.
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San Francisco, U.S. Bank Partner on Community Tuesday Events |
The partnership kicked off yesterday with the team's first Community Tuesday event of the season with an Operation HOPE Youth Workshop. In partnership with Operation HOPE, players joined high school athletes from Student Program for Academic & Athletic Transitioning (SPAAT) based in Oakland, California for a virtual financial coaching session to support their economic advancement, one of the three pillars of the team's social justice efforts.
Youth were taught that it's never too early to start thinking about their financial wellness and were given tools to start their journey to financial independence and reach their personal aspirations. Operation HOPE and SPAAT are also recipients of the team's Social Justice grants that were awarded last week as a part of the team's $1 million commitment to organizations creating societal change.
This season, the 49ers with the help of U.S. Bank, will be focusing its community efforts on the following areas: social justice, Covid-19 and fire relief. To learn more about the 49ers impact in the Bay Area community, visit 49ers.com/community and follow @49erscommunity on Twitter.
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MLB Relocates San Francisco Giants, Seattle Series to the Bay |
Tuesday's and Wednesday's games between the Mariners and Giants (23-24) were pushed back a day and moved to San Francisco due to the poor air quality in Seattle.
With T-Mobile Park impacted by heavy smoke from the numerous wildfires on the West Coast, Major League Baseball announced Tuesday afternoon that the two-game series originally set for Tuesday and Wednesday in Seattle will now be played instead on Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. PT and on Thursday at 1:10 p.m. at Oracle Park in San Francisco, though the Mariners will be considered the home team in both games.
The Giants have 13 games remaining as they battle for a National League Wild Card berth and will now have no off-days remaining on their schedule.
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Rock 'N' Roll Marathon Announces Virtual Event, 2021 Dates |
Based on the mandate from the State of California in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose Half Marathon originally scheduled for October 3-4, 2020 cannot take place in 2020 and will return on Oct. 2-3, 2021.
All registered participants of the 2020 Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose Half Marathon should have now received an email with further details. If you have additional questions or have not received the email with further information, please contact rnrsj@runrocknroll.com.
While the event has been prevented from happening in 2020, Rock 'N' Roll has created a virtual event for those who participate in the Rock 'N' Roll Running Club. The virtual running club is free to join, to sign up click here.
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WCC, Nevarez Announces "Russell Rule" Diversity Hiring Commitment |
SAN BRUNO, Calif. – The West Coast Conference is proud to announce the adoption of the “Russell Rule” as the first conference-wide diversity hiring commitment in Division I. The “Russell Rule” is named in honor of WCC and NBA legend Bill Russell and is the main part of a groundbreaking series of initiatives implemented under the “We are Committed to Change” platform.
The “Russell Rule” requires each member institution to include a member of a traditionally underrepresented community in the pool of final candidates for every athletic director, senior administrator, head coach and full-time assistant coach position in the athletic department.
Russell, an 11-time NBA Champion, a two-time NCAA Champion and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient as a life-long advocate for social justice, embraced the opportunity to promote equitable opportunities in college athletics.
“It is my hope the West Coast Conference initiative will encourage other leagues and schools to make similar commitments,” Russell stated. “We need to be intentional if we’re going to make real change for people of color in leadership positions in college athletics. I’m proud to assist the WCC and Commissioner Nevarez by endorsing this most important initiative.”
Led by Gloria Nevarez, the first Latinx Division I Commissioner, the WCC continues to be a trailblazer for change. Nevarez is also a member of the San Jose Sports Authority Board of Directors.
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“The Russell Rule is the result of the groundbreaking work of the WCC Presidents’ Council and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee,” Nevarez said. “Bill Russell is the greatest basketball player and social justice advocate the nation has seen. He is a champion for change. It is our belief the WCC ‘Russell Rule’ will live up to his legacy. Our goal is that the diversity of our student-athletes is reflected in those that lead and mentor them and provides a holistic and inclusive education during their time at WCC institutions.
The “Russell Rule” is part of several significant initiatives associated with the “We are Committed to Change” platform that received unanimous support from the WCC Presidents’ Council.
With Nevarez at the helm, the WCC is committed to providing an inclusive environment and developing initiatives that combat racism and social injustice. The “We are Committed to Change” platform will continue to guide conversations and actions in pursuance of equity, diversity and inclusion in the WCC.
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Upcoming Event Schedule
Postponed: Rock 'N' Roll Marathon San Jose
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San Jose Sports Authority | info@sjsa.org | www.sjsa.org |
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