Sport Oregon Young Professionals Board Creating Opportunities, Making Fundraising Impact — Sport Oregon Voices

Aug. 11 Sport Oregon YPB Pickleball Tournament presented by SKH Attorneys to benefit SHE FLIES and the Sport Oregon Foundation

Bolstered by increased board membership and energizing engagement, the Sport Oregon Young Professionals Board continues to make important contributions to the non-profit organization, and the community as a whole.

At its core, the Sport Oregon YPB works in support of the organization’s mission to drive economic growth and enhance positive social impact in Oregon through sports. Representing the next generation of leaders and creators, the YPB also presents its members the opportunity to create relationships with professionals across a wide array of industries through networking and career-enhancement opportunities. It’s an exciting and rewarding way for area young professionals to grow their careers while at the same time making important contributions and having a meaningful say in the way Sport Oregon is able to raise funds to support its mission, and to make an important impact in the community.

Ian Frost, vice president of Sport Oregon’s YPB, has been a part a part of the board since the beginning and has seen it grow from a handful of people to where it is now, with roughly 40 members. He knows first-hand the value of the YPB and is excited about the increased impact it is having in support of Sport Oregon’s initiatives.

In terms of career-building, the YPB – which meets every other month – regularly offers its members the chance to hear from seasoned business professionals as part of its speakers series. Typically featuring a local business leader – oftentimes one of the many members of Sport Oregon’s senior board – the speakers series has proved to be a valuable learning experience for YPB members.

“Membership in YPB is a great way to grow your career,” Frost said. “You get the opportunity to tap into the expansive knowledge base and experience of senior leaders and board members of Sport Oregon, and learn from the professional and personal success they’ve had.”

The Sport Oregon YPB has six different committees, each serving an important role in the group’s efforts to support the organization. There is an events committee, a social committee, a speakers committee, a marketing committee, a membership committee and a special projects committee.

Last year, the YPB endeavored on its own fundraising event, as it successful produced a par-three golf tournament at The Children’s Course. This year, the group is holding a similar event, only with the increasingly popular pickleball as the sport of choice.

Sport Oregon and SKH Attorneys are teaming up to present the first YPB Pickleball Tournament on Friday, Aug. 11. Beginning at 12:30 p.m., the pickleball tournament will be held at RECS in Clackamas and will feature a round-robin style format suitable for all skill levels. For those not as familiar with the budding new recreational activity of pickleball, the event will also include lessons and a “how-to” component prior to the hitting the courts.

Registration for the pickleball tournament is open now, while sponsorship opportunities are still available as well. The event will feature 18 teams of two, and teams also can bring in extra players as subs if they choose.

Maximo Minervini, who heads up the YPB events committee, says that the tournament is a great way for people to get involved with Sport Oregon’s fundraising efforts while having fun away from the office on the pickleball courts at RECS. He says the event is intended to be a more casual affair, with participants of all skill levels invited to take part.

Funds raised from the tournament at RECS will benefit SHE FLIES and the Sport Oregon Foundation.

“As supporters of SHE FLIES and Sport Oregon, RECS felt like a natural fit as a partner to host our YPB fundraising event this year,” Minervini said. “Pickleball is one of the most rapidly growing sports in the country, and we’re all looking forward to the tournament in August.”

Minervini, who grew up following local sports, joined the Sport Oregon YPB in 2020, and, as a local financial advisor by trade, is a great example of someone whose profession falls outside the realm of sports. In fact, many of YPB members work in industries not related to sports.

Frost, who also leads the YPB’s recruitment efforts, says the varied backgrounds and industries represented by the board’s membership is one of the most rewarding parts about being involved with the group. He says its energizing in the way it brings varied experience and perspectives to the board in its efforts to support Sport Oregon’s work.

As its membership and engagement has continued to grow, Frost says the board’s capacity for what it can achieve has increased exponentially. Members of the YPB have been instrumental in supporting Sport Oregon events in recent months, including the annual SHE FLIES Festival and last weekend’s Southwire Portland E-Prix at Portland International Raceway.

But there’s always more work to be done, and Frost says the board continues to strive to increase its talent pool with energizing young professionals.

“The broad involvement from different people and companies just makes our abilities as a group greater,” he said. “We are always open to adding people who enjoy playing an active part in their community.”

To Register For The YPB Pickleball Tournament presented by SKH Attorneys
Registration is currently available for the YPB Pickleball Tournament presented by SKH Attorneys, with an option to purchase one team, or two teams at a discounted rate.

To Learn More About Sponsorship Opportunities For The YPB Pickleball Tournament
For additional information on sponsorship opportunities for the YPB Pickleball Tournament, contact Maximo Minervini.

To Get Involved With The Sport Oregon YPB
The Sport Oregon YPB is open to new members. For those interested in joining or learning more about its efforts, contact Ian Frost.