CFS’s 15th Annual Sports Faire: A day of excitement, inspiration and growth

San Bernardino County Children and Family Services (CFS) hosted the 15th Annual Sports Faire for foster, kinship and probation youth throughout San Bernardino County. This event allowed the youth to dive into the world of sports and discover a new passion, while learning essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, goal setting and sportsmanship.

The day started with inspiring speeches, setting an energetic tone for the activities ahead. The room buzzed with anticipation as ten foster youth showcased their basketball skills, competing for two restaurant gift cards. Two participants from the group successfully made a basket, winning the prizes.

CFS Director Jeany Zepeda warmly welcomed all attendees, emphasizing the event’s significance. She encouraged the youth in attendance to engage, have fun and create lasting memories. Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. gave an enthusiastic speech, further igniting excitement and underscoring the importance of the Sports Faire.

This year’s Sports Faire featured ten sports including tennis, soccer, boxing, track and field, cheer/dance, football, volleyball, basketball, baseball and softball. Each sports station was staffed by experienced coaches and volunteers who provided personalized instruction and support. Every sport offered unique learning experiences tailored to teach all youth the fundamentals of the sport and valuable skills.

“The Sports Faire is more than just fun; it’s about helping them learn and grow. Seeing our youth learn, play, and gain confidence through these sports is truly rewarding. This event is a wonderful way for us to support their development in a fun and meaningful way,” CFS Director Jeany Zepeda stated.

In addition to the sports activities, foster parents attending the event had the opportunity to participate in a foster parent training session while their youth were engaged in sports. The training session provided the foster parents with effective communication strategies and knowledge to support and understand their foster children’s needs and create a supportive and nurturing home environment.

One of the day’s highlights was the generous donation from the non-profit organization Shoes That Fit, which gave every youth in attendance a free pair of shoes. This heartfelt contribution boosted the children’s confidence and equipped them with the necessary gear to actively participate in sports and other activities.

The 15th Annual Sports Faire was a resounding success, creating a supportive and enthusiastic environment where foster, kinship, and probation youth could embrace new challenges and develop essential life skills through the power of sports. The diverse range of activities ensured that every participant found an activity they loved, making it a day to remember.

Additional County Update News – August 1, 2024