What is the Georgia Sports Foundation?

The Georgia Sports Foundation is a comprehensive, non-profit, volunteer driven, 501 (c) 3 organization whose vision is to improve Georgia through the belief of & adherence to Pierre de Coubertin’s philosophy of a balanced blending of the body and society.

Leadership

The Foundation is a volunteer driven organization with a Board of Directors, a President & CEO, 30+ part time office & event staff, twelve statewide district program directors, fifty individual program directors & thousands of loyal general volunteers.

Brief History

In the late 1980’s, the State of Georgia & the City of Atlanta decided to bid upon the 1996 Olympics.  A lack of education concerning the positive attributes of physical fitness & health existed in Georgia at that time.  As a result, the Georgia Games Amateur Olympic Sports Festival was formed to assist in addressing this problem. Since 1990, the Georgia State Games, a program of the Georgia Sports Foundation, has been educating Georgians about the benefits of physical fitness & sports.

Volunteers are the backbone of the Georgia Sports Foundation & all of its programs.  Annually, volunteers give their time, effort & vacation days to make the Foundation & all of its programs    successful. 

The Foundation’s inspiration & success comes from the enthusiasm & dedication of the athletes, volunteers, spectators, and staff.

Olympic Philosophy & Foundation Principles

“Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting & combining in a balanced whole, the qualities of body, will & mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example & respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.”  Olympic Charter, Fundamental principles.

According to the Olympic Charter, established by Pierre de Coubertin, the goal of the Olympic     Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful & better world.  The Olympic Spirit is upheld without discrimination by educating youth through sport, which requires mutual understanding along with the spirit of friendship, solidarity & fair play.

Essential missions of the Olympic Movement:

• Organization of the State Olympic-Style Sports Festivals
• Promotion of girls & women
• Protection of athletes
• Development through sport
• Promotion of sustainable development
• Promotion of Culture & Olympic Education

Who is our Target Population?

The Foundation’s original geographically focus serves Georgia; mainly in the Greater Atlanta area but have a statewide and southeastern regional focus.  The Foundation focuses on certain areas including economically disadvantaged groups, area youth, girls & women, education & volunteer-oriented interests.

What is our Mission & Purpose?

To develop, promote, operate & educate physical fitness, sports & health programs in Georgia.  The education division plays a major role in completing our mission.

What are our Goals?

• To conduct & promote positive educational initiatives with schools, governments & other entities

• To develop, collaborate & promote the positive aspects of sports as an economic mechanism

• To develop collaborations with educational, government, corporate & non-profit entities in promoting sports, physical fitness & health

• To build & encourage community support from all sectors & entities

• To promote, develop & educate the ideals of the Olympic movement including education, sportsmanship, women’s & cultural equality, youth & community development, volunteerism, &    leadership for Georgia.