The Lindsey Vonn Foundation (LVF), in conjunction with The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, on Monday announced 30 grants totaling more than $150,000 to youth athletes in need through its first-ever Sports Matter Scholarship.
The newly created Sports Matter Scholarship will be awarded twice a year to U.S. based athletes between the ages of 7 to 18 who are in-need and passionate about their sport. All recipients were required to complete a robust application process that showcased their ability to overcome obstacles, discover true grit and pursue their goals.
For a memorable surprise, parents of the scholarship award winners were asked to film their kids receiving the news from Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn herself via a recorded video message.
“Surprise!” awardees open the video to Vonn saying: “I want to be the first person to tell you that you are officially a [Sports Matter] Scholarship winner!” Awardees reactions spanned from dancing, to tears when they realized they could now continue to pursue their passion.
Additionally, Vonn recently surprised 14-year old alpine skier, Greta Goldsmith, in Park City, Utah, to personally congratulate her on becoming a Lindsey Vonn Foundation Sports Matter Scholarship recipient. Greta suffered two knee injuries this season, but persevered and recovered fully, looking to continue her dream of becoming a professional skier and was awarded a scholarship.
Sports Matter Scholarship recipients span a variety of sports including skiing and snowboarding, in addition to field hockey, swimming, soccer, volleyball, tennis, gymnastics and even legend car racing.
“I say it every scholarship round, but these kids are really amazing! They all have worked hard to get to where they are and deserve the scholarship. They’re so young, yet their goals and dreams are so big!” says Laura Kildow, executive director, Lindsey Vonn Foundation. “Partnering with The Dick’s Foundation has helped us achieve a record-breaking round of scholarships by providing the most money to the most young athletes since the program started in 2018 (our 4th round).”
