Community of Pittsburgh Ultimate,

On behalf of VOTS (Valley of the Sun Ultimate) and the greater Phoenix community, I would like to send a belated thank you for your generous contribution to the 2007 UPA Grant Award "Community Connections."  I would like to especially thank Henry Thorne and Mike Yanchak for the many discs donated to support the program.  The information below offers a picture of what your generosity has done for the growth of ultimate and the growth of youth in the Phoenix community.  This also shows that collaboration among ultimate players across many miles can lead to lifelong impacts anywhere in the country.

VOTS Outreach Impact Report:

• Number of at-risk youth served:  almost 200
• Number of VOTS volunteers:  over 40
• Number of hours volunteered:  over 30

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?  Not only is it important to support the growth of ultimate, but to realize the impact that has been made in the community.  "Community Connections" served at-risk youth.  Every volunteer, every disc, and every hour devoted with youth helps to improve the future of Arizona.  The stats shared below will help you realize the impact that you have made for Arizona youth.

Arizona Youth General Statistics and Research:

• Arizona ranks 41 st out of 50 states in overall child well being (KidsCount, 2006).
• Each day, approximately 98 parents and/ or caregivers are reported for suspected abuse, neglect and abandonment in the state of Arizona (AZ DES, 2006).
• As of 2003, 12% of Arizona High School students dropped out, tied for the highest percentage in the nation (KidsCount, 2006).
• Arizona ranks 47 th out of 50 states in highest teen birth rates (KidsCount, 2006).

Again, thank you for your assistance in improving the growth of ultimate and the growth of youth in the Phoenix community.  Pittsburgh will always have a special place for me, because it is where I was introduced to ultimate frisbee.  I appreciate what you do for the Pittsburgh community, and what you have done for the Phoenix community.  I hope to continue collaborating with other ultimate leaders across the country to further promote the sport of ultimate.

If you would like to read more details about Community Connections, please visit http://www.vots.org/vots/outreach.shtml


Joanne Matibag
2007 UPA Innovation Grant Award Winner
Community Connections