Gilbert High School receives $5,000 worth of athletic equipment from ELLA Foundation for students

ANAHEIM, CA – Gilbert High School held a press event on Friday to accept $5,000 worth of athletic equipment from the ELLA foundation. The contribution was for SIP, a co-ed Sports Intervention Program, which provides a pathway for these students to re-engage with school through sports.

Manny Travieso, ELLA’s Director of Athletic Programs said “ELLA Sports Foundation is delighted to provide sports equipment for girl athletes at Gilbert High School,” Part of ELLA’s mission is to encourage girls to take up sports, and providing equipment is just one way we demonstrate our commitment to our mission.”

This contribution will provide significant relief for students who participate in athletic activities. The SIP program aims to create valuable connections, reignite students' passion for learning, instill pride in their school, and develop important skills such as resilience, teamwork, communication, and citizenship.

ELLA (EYA) Sports Foundation, which is Spanish for “her,” is a non-profit whose mission is to “level the playing field for Latina and girl athletes,” much like the demographic of students that Gilbert High serves. The organization empowers Latina athletes who are passionate about mental, and physical health and might encounter obstacles and disparities faced by female athletes and female athletes of color, culturally and economically. 

These types of programs are essential for students at Gilbert High School, which is a continuation high school for students grades 9-12. The curriculum is intended to support non-traditional students who may be credit-deficient or require a flexible schedule due to various reasons such as work, family obligations, or other critical needs. The students follow the district's curriculum and are encouraged to enroll in job training courses, dual enrollment, and work experience as part of their daily routine. The school aims to help students meet the district's graduation requirements.

Veronica Ortega-Gamez, the Department Chair of Physical Education, expressed her gratitude towards the ELLA Sports Foundation for the generous donation of sports equipment. She mentioned that Gilbert High School would like to thank the Foundation for their support, and emphasized that the equipment will enable them to provide additional sports opportunities for young female student-athletes. “This donation translates to an improvement in school and a better future for all,” Ms. Ortega-Gamez said.