Thursday, September 27: With eyes glued to the TV watching the Summer Olympics in London, everyone will suddenly become fans and experts of sports that are difficult to find on any school roster. What is amazing is the sports that aren’t included in the world games. Like baseball and golf. . . really! And what about lacrosse. . . . really? You did know that lacrosse is an Native American-born sport that was first played at early as the 12th century? It was once a part of the Olympics back in 1904 and 1908. Then poof, it was MIA. Oh, wait! It was demonstrated at the Summer Olympics in 1928, 1932 and 1948.
Over the centuries, the field game with “sticks with nets” has grown in popularity in the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom and Australia with Scotland and Wales. Why in 1986 only the U.S., Canada, England and Australia competed in the lacrosse world championship. By 2006, the 2006 Men’s world Championship was contested by 21 countries. As for the gals, in the 2009 Women’s World Cup 16 nations participated.
In the Dallas area, there are 4,300+ youth players and 71 high school teams including private schools (Episcopal School of Dallas, Greenhill, Hockaday, Jesuit, Parish Episcopal, St. Marks and Ursuline) and schools in Allen, Frisco, Highland Park, McKinney, Plano and Southlake.
Please don’t get the impression that like some sports, lacrosse is not for folks north of downtown Dallas. It doesn’t require a string of ponies or heavy duty equipment. In fact, eight years ago Bridge Lacrosse was started at the St. Philip’s School. Bridge Executive Director David Higbee explained that the purpose was to use “this popular sport as a vehicle for teaching character education values and life skills through the competition and social interaction.”
Over the years, it has expanded lacrosse to include more than 600 urban boys and girls in South and West Dallas at three urban schools in addition to various community centers. The success of this program has been so amazing that last week it was announced the Dallas Stars Foundation will “help fund valuable resources and equipment to serve the youth.” Thanks to this funding Bridge will be able to expand its program in West Dallas neighborhoods.
According to Higbee, “Having this kind of support from a large organization, such as the Stars Foundation, ensures that our programs and outreach will sustain themselves and grow. There are many similarities between the sports of hockey and lacrosse. They’re a natural fit to work together.”
To celebrate its success and raise additional funding to grow its efforts, Bridge Lacrosse is holding its Third Annual Going for the Goal dinner and auction. Among the 250+ guests at the Northwood Club event will be coaches, parents, administrators, supporters and volunteers.
In a world where fundraising dinners cost mega-bucks to attend, this one is a bargain. It’s $75 per person. If you can’t attend, why not buy a ticket and offer it up for one of the 180 volunteers to be there.
Oh, and as for the Olympics, there’s talk that lacrosse will eventually return to the international games. Wouldn’t be remarkable if one of those future Olympians got his/her start at the “Bridge”?
Photos provided by Bridge Lacrosse
David Higbee says
Thank you so much Jeanne! This wonderful support and awareness is key to our success. We really appreciate your kind words and hope to see you soon!