WHO WE ARE

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 Love of the Game is a non profit organization (501c3 pending) established in 2005 by four Native American men with a desire to create opportunities and avenues for Native American youth that combat the rash of suicides, depression, juvenile diabetes, school dropouts and drug/alcohol abuse that has become an epidemic among Native American communities throughout the United States.

 
     Despite full-time jobs, 4 Love of the Game has embraced this challenge by developing character-building programs for Native American youth.  Through athletics, 4 Love of the Game gives youth incentive for academic excellence, a deterrent for alcohol and drug use/abuse, pride in Native American heritage and a healthy lifestyle that will ultimately help them succeed in the game of life.  We receive no administrative or other compensation and yet have managed to achieve our greatest goal - physically connecting youth with the five areas of the organization: tournaments, camps, Honors Program, Scholarship Program and Inspire Program.
 

  • Tournaments have provided a way to bring the Native American community together.  4 Love of the Game tournaments have an annual attendance of over 1,200  Native American student-athletes nationwide, representing many tribes. Over $1.5 million in scholarship opportunities were available to tournament participants 
  • The Day of Champions provides a series of three-day camps to 750 Native American student-athletes across the state. The camp experience is beyond just athletic skill enhancement, it provides one-on-one mentoring and coaching in athletics, health, fitness, life choices and the four principles of leadership: discipline, respect, trust and hard work.
  • 4 Love of the Game pays tribute to children who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence and performance through the Honors Program.  The Program provides underprivileged Native American youth once-in-a-lifetime experiences.  The opportunity to travel and compete in national athletic tournaments or watch a college or professional baseball or basketball game motivates and inspires children, improving their quality of life. 
  • The 4 Love of the Game Scholarship Program is pivotal in solidifying a positive change for the future of the Native American community – our youth. In the last three years, we have awarded 34 scholarships nationwide to student-athletes currently working toward their associate’s or bachelor’s degrees.
  • Finally, the Inspire Program captures the true essence of the Native American spirit and encourages Native American youth to give to those less fortunate, sparking in them a giving spirit as well.  Such holiday projects as the gift tree and Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway inspire hope and connect people-in-need with the greater community.
 
     Through additional financial support we seek to continue achieving our primary goal – providing services to Native American youth.  Financial support beyond our service programs would bring us one step closer to realizing our vision of land purchase and construction of a multi-purpose building – a place focused on creating and molding leaders of the future.