By TR Robertson
The Boys & Girls Club of Vista has officially opened the Sahm Foundation Community Sports Complex after months of anticipation. The event featured presentations from a number of officials and groups that have played a role in providing financial support and assistance for this 15,000-square-foot project. With the theme of “Leveling the Playing Field and Building Champions for Life On & Off the Court”, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Vista, Matt Koumaras, welcomed everyone and began by saying 73% of the Boys & Girls Club of Vista members live in neighborhoods that face significant health and economic barriers. The Boys & Girls Club provides services and programs that assist and help these children in a number of ways. He then got things started by introducing a number of dignitaries attending this outdoor ceremony. This included Polly Williams (Past Board Chairperson), Assemblymember Tasha Boerner, Representatives for Assemblymember Laurie Davies-U.S. Congressman Mike Levin, State Senator Catherine Blakespear, San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, City of Vista Mayor John Franklin, Vista Fire Chief Gerard Washington, Vista City Manager John Conley, Vista Assistant City Manager Imelda Huerta, Vista Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Doyle and representatives from the Sahm Foundation. Matt also mentioned Board Chair Rachel Beld, CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce, was unable to attend today’s celebration. He said this project would benefit the 2,100 members of the Boys & Girls Club of Vista, and that this number should grow due to the new additions to the facility. Matt also thanked the Committee Members – Lisa De Jesus, Polly Williams, West Coast Management’s Krista Campbell, Don Looney (the architectural designer of the project), Sun County Builders, Hale Engineering, John Meyer, Dan Villasenor, and Nicole Ketcher. He also thanked the Sponsors California State Parks, Tasha Boerner, Sahm Foundation, Watkins Wellness, Handels Ice Cream, West Coast Management and West Coast Flooring Center.
Speaking next was Polly Williams, Past Board Chair of the Boys and Girls Club of Vista. Polly thanked everyone for their participation in the collaboration, investment and transformation of the Boys & Girls Club. She said this will enhance the community and is a prime example of what can be accomplished when organizations and groups work together. The next speaker was Assemblymember Tasha Boerner. The Assemblymember started by saying Vista has always had her heart and her assistance in obtaining the $3.5 million California State Grant was at the top of her accomplishments for the city. She said the kids who attend this facility deserve this and so much more and this will be an important place for generations to come. She finished by saying this future dream has become a reality everyone should be proud of. A plaque commemorating this event was then presented to Matt Koumaras.
A series of representatives from different governmental agencies followed next, each presenting commemorative certificates to Matt and the Boys & Girls Club. These included representatives from Assemblymember Laurie Davies, Congressman Mike Levin and State Senator Catherine Blakespeare. San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond congratulated the time and effort a large number of volunteers had dedicated to the making this sports complex a reality. He said these people are the
“Angels of the Community”.
The Supervisor also said Boys & Girls Clubs of all cities are phenomenal organizations and deserve everyone’s support. Vista Mayor John Franklin declared the day Sahm Foundation Community Sports Complex Day and brought the Vista City Council Members in attendance to the stage as well as Vista City Manager John Conley and former Vista City Council Member Joe Green. The Vista City Council members in attendance included District 1 – Corinna Contreras, District 2 – Jeff Fox and District 4 – Dan O’Donnell.
The final presenter was the treasurer of the Sahm Foundation, Robert Cuthbertson. As the representative of the Sahm Foundation, Robert said the Foundation supports community activities, especially ones that provide meaningful and important services to children. The not-for-profit Foundation is dedicated to assisting visual and performing arts and the welfare of children and seniors. Since 1997 they have granted nearly $10 million to charitable organizations in Southern California. The founders were Roland and Ramona Sahm, in 1948, beginning as a paint and lacquer company. This would grow into the Elixir Industries. The manufacturing giant now has corporate offices in Mission Viejo, headed by their grandson Christopher Sahm. The naming rights sponsorship dollar amount contribution is not for public disclosure.
Matt thanked everyone for attending today’s event and asked everyone to adjourn to the entrance to the sports complex to take part in the Blue-Ribbon Ceremony to officially open the sports complex.
After the photo opportunity, the group was invited to go to the Sahm Foundation Outdoor Soccer Arena to watch the first goal scored. Benjamin Perkins scored a goal against the San Diego Soccer mascot goalie. Next the group went to the Multi-Use Sports Court to watch Carmelo Collazo shoot a basket, which he banked in, and the Sports Complex was officially open for everyone to play on. Next to the soccer arena and multi-use court is a large open grass playing field that has been sodded and is under preparation for use. There is a Concession Stand building and restrooms next to the Multi-Use Sports Court as well as bleachers and tables to sit and eat.
The Boys & Girls Club of Vista is still undergoing refurbishing and renovations as it continues to provide services to thousands of families in the Vista community. This sports complex will add much-needed programs for all to enjoy. Coming up is a Cali-Cup 5v5 Soccer Tournament on Saturday, June 13. Go to www.bgcvista.org/5-v-5-cali-cup for more information on how you can take part.
