Game On Fund removing barriers for youth athletes

05/17/2023


2023 marks the second year that the
Game On Fund has hosted school and
district events in the Valley and in Tucson
to bring these no-cost assessments to students.

Reaching underserved youth athletes is an important goal of Banner Sports Medicine Scottsdale. That’s why the Banner Health Foundation established the Game On: Youth Athlete Support Fund to provide preventative care to Arizona youth through three distinct assessments that have been proven to reduce injury and promote participation in sports.

“Participation in sports is, unfortunately, not always equitable, as sports physicals and baseline assessments can often mean out-of-pocket costs to a family,” says Dr. Amy Overlin, Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician with Banner Health. “The Game On Fund helps to level the playing field for youth across Arizona so they can participate without any barriers to play.”

2023 marks the second year that the Game On Fund has hosted school and district events in the Valley and in Tucson to bring these no-cost assessments to students. Thousands of students have received free sports physicals and baseline concussion testing since spring 2022. These free events and services are made possible by generous gifts to the Banner Health Foundation from the Arizona Lottery, Phoenix Suns Charities, Arizona Coyotes, Tucson Roadrunners, Tucson Conquistadores, Elan's Charitable Giving, and Tony and Milena Astorga. Their support saves youth and their families approximately $75,000 per year in required pre-participation testing.

Choose Game On: Youth Athlete Support Fund from the gift designation menu. 

Upcoming Free Sports Physical & Baseline Concussion Testing Events

  • Mountain Pointe High School: July 21
  • UA Athletics: July 14