SJSA News | March 2020
News from the San Jose Sports Authority
The San Jose Sports Authority is a non-profit organization whose mission is to increase the City of San Jose’s economic development, visibility and civic pride through sports.
A Letter from Executive Director, John Poch
First and foremost, I hope that you and your family are doing as well as can be during this unprecedented time in our lives. Now is the time to rely on trust … the trust of those that has been tested over time and always remain your “calm before the storm” . I have been fortunate to have a solid group of mentors over the years that I regularly keep in contact with … especially now more than ever. When I seek advice, the three key items I always come away with is their common-sense approach to complex situations, anticipation, communication and remember your mission .




Anticipation

A good leader solves problems. A great one anticipates. That is why great leaders have  management plans in the times of crisis and we; the San Jose Sports Authority, are fortunate to have great leaders serving on our Board of Directors and our Executive Committee, led by Chairman Charlie Faas, VP of Administration/Finance at San Jose State University. I consult with Charlie on a weekly – and at times – a daily basis – to keep him apprised of our work as well as practical advice.

As I like to share with staff, “Charlie doesn’t tell you what you like to hear , he tells you what you need to hear . A typical conversation with Charlie usually contains the following;

  • How are you doing … and how is the staff doing …
  • What is the worst thing that could happen …
  • Despite what you hear or read, plan to double the time estimates of the impact …
  • Here is what we are doing, you do not need to do the same, just wanted to provide you with ideas …
  • Let me know how I can help …

Communicate Well

In the “Sports Tourism” industry, if an organization loses an event that it had already secured and planned for, it has a significant “ripple-down” impact not just on their organization, but on their community as well. From hotels, restaurants, venue staff, transportation services and patrons, we all will feel the impact of event cancellations. These scenarios present a very hard time for even the best leader to communicate well. We have been impacted by cancellations (San Jose Sharks, National Collegiate Judo Championship) and postponements of events (REACH Youth Scholarship Breakfast), and thanks to our Board and industry leadership from Sports ETA (national association of Sports Commissions), we are learning to focus on communicating to our organization’s base – staff, volunteers, board members, donors, schools and patrons – that we appreciate their care for our organization and that our priority is to support our State, County and City’s leadership during the crisis is of utmost importance. Sporting events will come back and hopefully good health for all as well.

Reinforce our Commitment to our Mission

We stand by our commitment to increase the City of San Jose’s economic development, visibility, and civic pride through sports. We understand firsthand the effort and resources invested into hosting major sporting events. These events provide an opportunity to welcome a new wave of visitors to our city who may not have otherwise chosen to visit and to build a connection with them. Our hearts go out to our colleagues and cities who have lost hosting opportunities due to COVID-19. We know brighter days are ahead. We know these cities, along with us in San Jose, are looking forward to seeing rescheduled events come back to town with a resurgence of visitors to our city when the time is right. But for now, sports are not an essential need … providing for a safe and healthy community is what is most important at this time. Our priority now is the same as yours, that caring for our elderly, our family and community is what good people do. Supporting those that need it most. Sports is not the priority, especially now … your health and well-being is.

In closing, I'd like to raise a little word of support and gratitude to the heroic people around the world working and volunteering in public health services.  

Be well, stay safe and we hope to see you in the grandstands soon.







JP
The REACH Scholarship – We need your help NOW
Greetings, Friends:

We hope this note finds you well . In normal times, this seven-word phrase is nothing more than a generic opening line, but given the continued impact of COVID-19, we could not be more sincere when we say, we truly hope this note finds you well. 
 
While we all may be focused on our own health as well as that of our families and friends, we are determined to keep the work of the SJSA on track, which is why we are contacting you about one of the SJSA’s most important initiatives: our annual REACH Youth Scholarship Program. We need your help today to ensure the success of the program this year. 

About the REACH Scholarship Program

REACH is an acronym for “ R ecognizing E xcellence, A dversity, C ourage and H ard
work.” Now in its 24 th year, the REACH Youth Scholarship Program provides college funds to high school seniors from Santa Clara County who have overcome adversity to excel in the classroom and on the playing field.

The recipients come from all backgrounds and situations. Some students are battling cancer or coping with the loss of a loved one, while others are learning to live with the aftereffects of severe trauma. No two stories are alike, but they share an underlying message: sports can be a source of strength and support in challenging times. 
 
Current Status & Where Your Donations Go

The REACH selection committee has begun reviewing the student applications and will soon decide how to allocate the dollars we raise. The committee typically award 8-10 scholarships ranging from $2,500 to a single top gift of $10,000. Given the cost of higher education today, the scholarship amounts may seem relatively modest, but they make a notable difference. It’s enough to buy books, cover student fees for a few years, or help with room & board. 

Now, More than Ever!

We need your help to ensure this year’s scholarships are at least as generous as those in the past. Indeed, one could argue this is the most important year of the REACH program. Just consider the situation: it’s their senior year, these students have already overcome a great deal in their lives, and now their worlds have been upended by a global pandemic. We might not be able to give the students a better ending to their senior year, but we can help give them a stronger start to their college careers. 

How to Donate to REACH

Here are two ways to show your support of these deserving students:

1)       Individual Donations of $20, $50, $100 or more … whatever you can contribute is welcome and appreciated. Here’s the link: https://givebutter.com/REACH2020 . It takes only a few clicks to donat e!!
 
2)       Become a REACH sponsor (sponsorships start at $1,500). Please contact Carrie Benjamin , the SJSA’s event director, at (408) 288-2936 or carrie@sjsa.org , for details.

RAISE YOUR HANDS FOR REACH!

If you received this newsletter, you are a sports fan. And, if you are a sports fan, you surely know what a come-from-behind victory feels like – that magical “did-that-really-happen?” euphoria. 

Let’s give these students that feeling. Let’s recognize them for what they’ve accomplished thus far while also showing them how much we believe in their futures. In short, please donate to REACH and help us tell these extraordinary students, “WAY TO GO!”   
Meet Devyn, 2019 REACH Youth Scholarship Recipient
Devyn was awarded a REACH Youth Scholarship in 2019 and is currently in her first year at UC Berkeley. She is pictured below with Honorary Co-Chairs and long-time REACH supporters Ronnie Lott and Brandi Chastain (left). Here’s what she said about the program:

"REACH gave me the platform not only to share my own story but also to stand for countless other survivors of sexual abuse. The scholarship was a blessing that alleviated the weight of guilt and silence that had burdened my life for many years, too.

Being one of the scholarship recipients from my community also allowed me to demonstrate how those of us from East Side San Jose rise from concrete. REACH recognizes the adversity student-athletes may face as well as the grit and resilience it takes to come out thriving. 

I am forever grateful to all the people associated with REACH who supported me through one of the most terrifying journeys in my life. Now that I am at Cal, I have a greater appreciation for the efforts of the REACH program and how it makes a difference in higher education for students like myself. I will carry my life-changing experience with REACH forever!"

Additional testimonials and details about REACH are available on the SJSA’s website: www.sjsa.org/reach
The City of San Jose Launches Website for COVID-19 Information
The City of San Jose created siliconvalleystrong.org as a community response to COVID-19. This online platform serves as a centralized information hub for Silicon Valley residents by providing resources and updates about the COVID-19. The community is encouraged to visit the website to stay informed and help protect one another.

San Jose Mayor, Sam Licardo , announced "This movement connects the County, cities, schools, nonprofits, private partners, and churches—ensuring no one gets left behind." Some of the major topics covered on the site are:

  • Health and Safety
  • Protecting Vulnerable Neighbors
  • Grocery Stores and Restaurants
  • Small Businesses
  • Protecting Workers
  • Volunteer Information
  • Community Solutions
  • Relief Efforts

Also, the Silicon Valley Strong Fund helps offset the economic impacts experienced by residents, businesses, and community organizations. This fund partners with lead organizations and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation to address these effected ares of the community. Additional information and topics and are covered more in depth on the website. Also, the site is being constantly updated with press releases and new information about the virus. To learn more about Silicon Valley's community response to COVID-19 visit siliconvalleystrong.org.
In Memoriam of Bill McPherson - Local Football Icon, SJSHOF Inductee
The San Francisco 49ers announced last week that Bill McPherson, a longtime coach and executive has passed away. McPherson, who was part of all five of the franchise’s Super Bowl victories during his 20 seasons on the sideline, was 88.

McPherson grew up in San Jose and was a local football icon, playing and coaching at both Bellarmine Academy and Santa Clara University. During his coaching tenure, McPherson coached alongside Pro Football Hall of Fame coaches Bill Walsh and Dick Vermeil. After his coaching career, McPherson took a position as the 49ers' director of pro personnel until his retirement in 2005. Shortly after his retirement, McPherson was inducted into the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2005.

McPherson is survived by his wife, Elsie, five children, 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild. His son, Pat, has been the Seattle Seahawks tight ends coach since 2010.
Happy 100 th Birthday to Mr. Yosh Uchida - SJSHOF Class of '95
Mr. Yoshihiro Uchida , world renowned judo coach, businessman and philanthropist, was born in 1920 of Japanese immigrants in California. Drafted and serving as a medical technician during WWII he returned to San Jose State graduating in 1947. He continued as SJSU judo coach and eventually owned and operated over 41 medical laboratories throughout the Bay area. During this time, Yosh and Dr. Henry Stone, judo coach at UC Berkeley, developed the weight class system, turning judo from a martial art into a competitive sport and in 1953 judo was approved by the Amateur Athletic Union. Uchida was instrumental in bringing judo to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.



Founder of San Jose State Judo Team

 In 1946, Uchida founded the San José State Judo Team. Since then, the program has transformed into the top USA National Training Center on the West Coast. The San Jose State Team has become a leader in United States Judo. By 2018 it was the most successful Collegiate Judo Team in US Judo History winning 51 of 56 championships and setting a record for the most wins of any collegiate team in any sport. SJSU is a constant competitor for national and international competitions. The SJS Team prides itself on building pioneers and role models in Judo and in their community. They continue to strive to build as a way of life, and successful leaders as a whole.

A Winning Tradition

San Jose State University Judo Team has celebrated years of success & leadership in the national and international arenas. They have committed themselves to the constant improvement of their craft, and team chemistry through hard work and perseverance. Learn more about SJSU Judo at www.sjsujudo.org .
Judo Highlights :

  • 1953 Tournament Director of the first National AAU championships
  • 1953 first judo coach to International Pan American in Paris, France
  • 1962 developed first Collegiate Judo Championships.
  • 1964 qualified judo as a sport for the Tokyo Olympics, coached the first United States Judo team
  • Served on the Olympic Committee and attending every summer Olympics up to Rio de Janeiro in 2016. He plans to attend 2020 Tokyo Olympics at the age of 100!
  • 1979 founder of the US Open
  • Past president of USJI & USJF
  • Published author of “Fundamentals of Judo”
  • Inducted into USA Judo Hall of Fame, San Jose Sports Hall of Fame, SJSU Legend Hall of Fame
  • Coached 18 SJSU Olympians winning 4 Olympic medals

Achievements also include, renaming of SJSU Spartan Complex to Yoshihiro Uchida Hall , and representing the city of San Jose at 82 years old as an Olympic Torch bearer. Yosh was recently inducted into San Jose State University’s “Legends Hall of Fame” and honored with the Emperor of Japan awarding Uchida with the Order of the Sacred Treasure . Promoted in 2013 to Judan (10 th degree) the highest rank in judo and in 2019 at 99 years old continues to coach the SJSU Judo team as he has for the past 72 years.
San Jose Sports Authority is Now SafeSport Certified!
Recently, our organization completed the U.S. Center for SafeSport online training course. This series of online training certification focuses on athlete well-being by improving accountability in sports. The courses provide education on preventing abuse in athletics through creating awareness and recognizing red flags of emotional, physical and sexual misconduct, and the actions to take if abuse occurs. We feel that the SafeSport training helps to teach our organization proper steps to identify, prevent, and respond to misconduct in sports and enhance the well-being of the athletes.

If your sports organization is looking for new ways to continue leadership and contribute to our industry, check out the SafeSport online training courses. Also, if you are a member of Sports ETA you c an enjoy a 10% discount on the SafeSport training.
Board Member Spotlight
Council Members Dev Davis & Sergio Jimenez

The Sports Authority are fortunate to have a board of directors with diverse perspectives that in times like this is of critical importance. Each member brings their own personal and professional contacts and life experiences as their service to our board.

We are so fortunate to have two members of our board;  San Jose City Council Members Dev Davis (District 6)  and  Sergio Jimenez (District 2) ,  that epitomize what the diversity of experience, expertise, and perspectives, can bring to a nonprofit organization. The leadership they bring to the Sports Authority and our community helps place us in a stronger position to plan for the future, manage risk, make prudent decisions, and take full advantage of opportunities - as well as to be in touch with community needs.
The Sports Authority is appreciative of their leadership, support and genuine concern for our City and Region. The success of the Sports Authority over the past five-years is directly linked to the support and services of the City of San Jose and we thank our Council Representatives for their tremendous advocacy on our behalf. 
 
In addition to Dev and Sergio’s leadership, their district staff members deserve recognition as well. Their feedback is often immediate with timely suggestions and thoughts.  Council Districts 2 & 6  are very fortunate to have such committed and community conscience staff. Hopefully we can all "weather the storm" and get back to our business of bringing events back to San Jose. I know with  Council Members Dev Davis & Sergio Jimenez , the City of San Jose has the leadership to make this happen. 
 
The Sports Authority are very appreciative of their support and leadership . 
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Upcoming Event Schedule


POSTPONED: USWNT vs Brazil

June 20 (Tentative): Bocce Battle



August 3-9: Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic at San Jose State University


San Jose Sports Authority | info@sjsa.org | www.sjsa.org