In Honor of Michael Schmitt

It is with heavy hearts and grateful minds that we mourn the passing of Michael Schmitt, a cherished member of the Saint Sebastian Sports Project family. Michael embodied all that SSSP stands for. He was a mentor, coach, and friend—a true man for others.

Although he was always a supporter, Michael officially joined our team in 2014 as a liaison to St. Malachy, a school he lifted up with his winning spirit. He was a force on the campus. Not only did he attend sporting events; he personally purchased shirts for the coaches and proudly presented our Arrow Award to deserving students.

In 2018, when he joined our Executive Board, he was all in! Coach Mike helped run Rob Lucenti’s much-loved flag football clinics each year and he hosted our fall welcome party for new liaisons. At board meetings, nothing was decided until Michael weighed in. His strategic thinking and marketing genius were key to our success.

Words can not express how sad we are at his passing. We will miss his easy smile and steadfast faith. But we know his spirit will live on through our work and through all the lives he has touched.

Donate in Honor of Michael Schmitt

Clare & Jim Gurbach 2024 Archbishop’s Award Dinner Honorees

We are very proud of Clare and Jim…leading by example, truly walking the walk and living our faith…. Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only!

Supporting Catholic Schools Through Sports

• are healthier than their non-active peers.

• feel more connected to their communities, and

• perform better in school

Children who play sports

• builds self-confidence and resilience.

• instills a sense of commitment to a common goal, and

Being part of a team

Doesn't every child deserve to experience the benefits of sports?

Changing lives, one game at a time

OUR GAME PLAN

THE PROBLEM:

TOO MANY LOW INCOME
KIDS ARE SIDELINED

Athletic Programs in Many LA-Area Catholic Elementary Schools Are Severely Challenged.

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THE SOLUTION:

WE ARE WORKING TO
LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD

Saint Sebastian Sports Project Provides Resources Needed to Field Quality Sports Programs. We give out more than $130,000 to 61 schools.

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THE RESULT:

WE ARE CHANGING LIVES,
ONE GAME AT A TIME

Over the past 12 years, thanks to the support of our generous donors, thousands of Catholic school students across Los Angeles have had the chance to play on their schools’ sports teams and enhanced education $10,000 to $25,000.

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SPORTS: A GAME CHANGER

Participation in Sports Has Known Benefits for Children

HEALTH

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children aged 5-17 need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each day to maintain good physical health. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) goes even further; noting that participation in sport is a protected right that is fundamental to the health and growth of children everywhere. And yet, fewer than half of American school children ages 6-11 get the requisite level of exercise they need, and nearly one third are overweight or obese.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

In addition to the health benefits of regular physical activity, studies have also demonstrated that sport and play enhance child development and learning, and encourage better academic performance. Indeed, a recent study by the Los Angeles Unified School District found that high schoolers who participate in athletics attend school significantly more often, have higher GPA’s, and score higher on the CST’s in both English and Math than their peers.

SOCIAL SKILLS

Participating in sports also builds character and improves social skills. Participation in school sports teaches children how to lead– and how to be collaborative. And they learn respect—for each other, for authority, and for the rules of the game. The skills and values they acquire on the sports fields transfer to the game of life. Bottom line: kids who play sports tend to grow into happier, healthier adults.

OUR IMPACT

“. . . I know that [Saint Sebastian Sports Project] is a labor of love for [co-founders] Jim and Clare and the entire Board, but it is also a tremendous amount of work. With this letter, I simply want to convey my great gratitude for all that St. Sebastian has done, and will continue to do in the future, for our Catholic schools. . .”

Kevin Baxter, E.D. Senior Director and Superintendent of Catholic Schools

“Thank you very much for all the donations you made for our sports program. Having these supplies has blessed us in many ways in which many children may not experience throughout their lifetime. This season we have grown as a community, class, and team thanks to all you have done for us. . . .”

Ashley Bates, 7th Grade, St. Bernard Catholic School

“Because of friends like you, we will be able to continue to give students the gift of a sports program that will last a lifetime. Thank you once again for your dedication and commitment to our students. Your conscious efforts and compassionate heart reveal your faith in our students as they continue their journey in faith and scholarship.”

Ileana Wade and Rocio M. PinedaPrincipal & Director of Development, St. Ingatius of Loyola School

“Your help has allowed me to continue to be the best I can be…When I play, I feel the adrenaline running through my body and running with the ball just really makes me turn into another person, the soccer boy living inside me.”

Jason Argueta,recent graduate of St. Lawrence Brindisi School

“Through the generosity of Saint Sebastian Sports Project, students at St. Raphael have the opportunity to participate in a winning athletic program and learn skills that will help them in high school and beyond.”

“For the children served by St. Raphael, many of whom have limited opportunity to participate in athletics outside of school, such a program is of paramount importance. Our students are so proud to wear their St. Raphael athletic uniforms and of their performance in the athletic program. I hope you are able to see our trophy case when you are on campus!”

Allison JordanPrincipal, St. Raphael School

“Without Saint Sebastian Sports Project, our work of providing a quality education to our children would be nearly impossible. We are so grateful to Saint Sebastian Sports Project for embodying the spirit of our dear Dominican sisters by ensuring that “the young, the poor and the vulnerable” are careed for at Saint Frances Cabrini. With your support our students will participate in exiting sports programs that will teach them the value of team work, leadership and comradery.”

Carmen Orinoco-Hart & Claudia PrezaPrincipal & Director of Development, St. Frances X. Cabrini School