The Landen Lucas Foundation

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: Nike reminds us that if you have a body, you are an athlete. We don't want any young person to miss out on that message because of their socio-economic status. Therefore, the Landen Lucas Foundation is giving Sports For Life scholarships to financially underprivileged youth to help pay for sports fees, shoes, and equipment. We want to use the power of sport to inspire youth and give them a sense of purpose and a chance to learn the life lessons that come from individual skill-building and team work. We are creating the access and opportunity to participate in sports, so that our youth can gain the social and academic benefits that come alongside the physical benefi... read more STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: Nike reminds us that if you have a body, you are an athlete. We don't want any young person to miss out on that message because of their socio-economic status. Therefore, the Landen Lucas Foundation is giving Sports For Life scholarships to financially underprivileged youth to help pay for sports fees, shoes, and equipment. We want to use the power of sport to inspire youth and give them a sense of purpose and a chance to learn the life lessons that come from individual skill-building and team work. We are creating the access and opportunity to participate in sports, so that our youth can gain the social and academic benefits that come alongside the physical benefit of playing sports. This gives them an outlet, a goal, a mental recharge, a reason to behave well and a better chance to succeed in school and in life! Sports go far beyond the physical benefits in a young person's life. In fact studies have shown that being involved in sports improves academics, focus, mental health, and decision making through an increased cognitive ability that comes from exercise. Playing sports teaches the valuable life lessons of teamwork and leadership. We know there is a direct correlation between playing sports and academic achievement. A University of Kansas study looking at the performance of students in grades 9-12 showed that more than 97% of student athletes graduated high school, 10% higher than those students who had never participated in sports. Student athletes were also shown to have a better overall G.P.A. than those not participating in sports. There is an increased cognitive ability that comes from playing sports. We know that physical activity naturally increases blood flow to the brain, stimulating endorphins, which positively impact energy level, mood, academic performance, problem-solving skills, and behavior. This positive impact on behavior directly impacts self-esteem and purpose. An increased sense of self creates better social interactions, stronger relationships, and higher academic performance. Playing sports also gives young people a sense of community that they may not have otherwise. Playing sports encourages goal-setting, teamwork, and critical leadership skills such as communication, collaboration, time management, and decision-making. The chance to play sports can change a life or even save a life. You can be a part of giving Access and Opportunity! You can Make a Difference! Landen Lucas Foundation, Inc. Our Mission: Landen Lucas, the KU center 2012-2017 and Sports Illustrated 'Glue Guy' of the Jayhawks men's basketball team, along with his mother, Shelley Lucas, an educator and leadership development professional, have started the Landen Lucas Foundation -Sports For Life Fund. Living in a single parent home for much of his life, Landen didn't have the financial stability and privileges of many of his peers. Shelley had to say no a lot because she couldn't afford big summer camps and sports equipment. Landen loved sports, but often it was difficult to afford the sports team fees and equipment. In fact, there are many sports and other extra-curricular activities that Landen would not have been able to participate in without the gift of used sports equipment from friends and the blessing of financial assistance from grandparents and other extended family. Without that support system, Shelley would not have been able to give Landen all the opportunities that he was ultimately blessed with. Now, Landen knows the great value in the life lessons learned through sports and he wants to be sure that all students have the opportunity to participate and compete. And as an educator, Shelley sees the negative impact on students who want to play sports but can't afford the fees or equipment. Therefore, Sports For Life will be providing scholarships for underprivileged students in the school district of Lawrence, Kansas, and the Portland/Beaverton School districts, where Landen attended school from 7-12th grade, along with other schools and communities throughout the United States.