The Great Sports, Great Kids Program

GRPS strives to develop exceptional, well-rounded student-athletes by fostering an athletics program that supports: academic achievement, overall improved school performance, athletic skill development, strengthened positive coach relationships and community service.

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Students who play do better. It's that simple.

Engaging kids in sports early promotes a healthy lifestyle and reduces injuries. In order to improve the health and wellness of our students, it is critical they have opportunities to be active. A child’s health impacts his or her ability to go to school, to focus, to study and, ultimately, to learn. School athletics supports academic success for students.

An Average School Year

GRPS expects to field 151 middle school teams in 15 sports (engaging over 2,500 students) and offer six sports to elementary students (with over 3,500 students participating)—all at no cost to students or their families. Students sign-up through their individual schools and GRPS coordinates all programming, including overseeing coaches, volunteers, and sports events. Current sports offerings include coed Cross-Country (K-8), Boys Football (6-8), Girls Volleyball (6-8), Boys Soccer (3-8), Girls Soccer (3-8), Boys Basketball (3-8), Girls Basketball (3-8), Boys Wrestling (6-8), Coed Bowling (6-8), Boys Baseball (6-8), Girls Softball (6-8), Coed Competitive Cheer (6-8), Coed Golf (6-8), Coed Track (K-8), Coed Swim (6-8).

Get Involved - Volunteer

The Great Sports, Great Kids youth sports program seeks volunteers to serve as coaches, game help, and other support for programming. Fifteen different sports are offered to students in grades 6-8 and four for elementary students.

The goal of the program is to promote well-rounded student-athletes in the Grand Rapids Public Schools.

The program is currently accepting volunteers for all elementary sports. Volunteers can be anyone who values a healthy community and are willing to do their part to create one. Volunteers are expected to teach and model healthy behaviors, represent a healthy community, supervise children, and establish a strong connection through the GRPS family of schools model.

GRPS does require a short application process to ensure the safety and well-being of all of our children.

Advisory Council


Art Gray, Chair	Anne Marie Carson	Kellie Dean	Michael Huff, Vice Chair
Kurt Johnson	Joel Kamstra	Ron Knaus	Greg Meyer
Walter Moore, Jr.	Ana Aleman-Putnam	Alexis Reame	Calli Schmid
Katelin Spielmaker	Misti Stanton	Amy Turner-Thole
Lynn Yardley	Jason Zylstra

Honorary Council


Mel Atkins, Sr.	Wayman Britt	Dave Custer	Doug & Maria DeVos
Steven Ford	Ty Hallock	David Harris	Shelley Irwin
Dave Mehney	Peter & Joan Secchia	Tim Selgo	The Hon. Sara Smolenski
Mickey Stanley	Mike VanGessel

Our Impact This Year

Students

15600
Schools

45
Funds Raised

$1800000

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