Programs Serving Youth Sports Receive Grants

Four Orange County programs serving youth sports were among the recipients of $373,000 in grants announced by the Amateur Athletic Foundation of Los Angeles, the nonprofit organization that distributes Southern California’s share of the 1984 Olympic Games surplus.

“With these 20 grants to Southern California youth sports groups, we surpass $18 million in grants since September, 1985,” AAF Chairman David Wolper said.

The largest of the grants ($64,800), which are awarded quarterly, went to the Phoenix Houses of California, drug rehabilitation centers for sports programs for youths 13 to 18. Phoenix Houses in Santa Ana, Venice Beach and San Diego will benefit from the year-round sports program, Wolper said.

Other grants to programs serving Orange County included $15,500 for starting blocks, lane lines and a movable bulkhead for the Golden West Swim Club, which serves 350 members in Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach and Westminster.

Popa’s Gymnastics Club in Huntington Beach, serving 300 girls, received a $14,400 grant. Huntington Beach Junior All American Football received $5,000, and the North Huntington Beach Strikers girls’ soccer team was granted $3,000.