CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Spring is right around the corner, and it’s a great time to get young people involved in outdoor activities. Whether parents are looking to introduce their kids to a sport, sharpen their skills to prepare them for the next level of competition, or just keep them moving and having fun, youth sports in St. George remain an affordable option thanks to the generous support of community sponsors like Stephen Wade Auto Center.
City of St. George FUNdamental basketball clinic, St. George, Utah, Dec. 2, 2023 | Photo by Brooklyn Fehr courtesy of Stephen Wade Auto Center, St. George News
Stephen Wade Auto Center, Southern Utah’s auto mall, has played a key role in supporting the city of St. George’s youth sports program for over 10 years by covering the cost of jerseys for all participants. That way, more kids are able to play. Most leagues cost just $45 for St. George residents and $50 for non-residents.
“We see a lot of value in supporting our community’s families,” said Jamie Bahlmann, public relations director for Stephen Wade Auto Center. “We want it to be affordable for kids to play recreational sports.”
St. George Youth Sports gives kids an opportunity to get out and play, to learn and understand team sports and, most importantly, to have fun. The program offers a variety of friendly, non-competitive leagues and clinics to students from kindergarten through ninth grade. Sports include volleyball, soccer, rugby, flag football, baseball, softball, T-ball and Junior Jazz basketball.
Stephen Wade Auto Center’s jersey sponsorship allows the city of St. George to use its limited youth sports budget for facilities, equipment, staffing and other components that elevate the quality of the program. With anywhere from 250 to 2,000 kids enrolling in each league per season, supporting youth sports represents a sizable, yet worthwhile, investment for the Stephen Wade family of dealerships.
“Not every family has the money for club teams, so the fact that we have recreation sports is huge,” Bahlmann said.
City of St. George flag football league, St. George, Utah, Aug. 28, 2023 | Photo by Brooklyn Fehr courtesy of Stephen Wade Auto Center, St. George News
Participation in St. George Youth Sports has steadily increased every season. Enrollment is now open for T-ball, softball and baseball spring and summer leagues as well as the Summer Youth Sport Series, which offers kids the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of a different sport every week. To register, visit the St. George Youth Sports webpage.
Along with youth sports, Stephen Wade Auto Center sponsors Washington County’s high schools and gives back to students through the Shoot4Cash and Kick4Cash promotions during basketball and football season. The company has collaborated with the St. George Children’s Museum to create an interactive learning exhibit on vehicle mechanics and is a leading donor to the Washington County School District Foundation’s counselor closet program, which provides essential supplies to at-risk students.
“We support teachers, students and parents throughout our community,” Bahlmann said. “We’re here for you throughout every stage of your journey.”
City of St. George FUNdamental basketball clinic, St. George, Utah, Dec. 2, 2023 | Photo by Brooklyn Fehr courtesy of Stephen Wade Auto Center, St. George News
Additionally, Stephen Wade Auto Center is a longtime sponsor of the city of St. George’s tennis and pickleball programs. Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, and the Little Valley Pickleball Complex recently celebrated a significant expansion that includes a championship court designed for pro tour matches.
The Stephen Wade family of dealerships also sponsors community events that locals look forward to every spring, including the Washington County Fair, the St. George Art Festival and the Dixie Power Kite Festival.
Stephen Wade Auto Center is always working to build stronger kids, families and neighborhoods. Supported by generations of loyal customers, they’ve been giving back to Southern Utah for nearly 30 years and don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
“Stephen Wade is here to support your family,” Bahlmann said. “We take care of you so you can take care of the people you love.”
Stephen Wade Auto Center • Stephen Wade Truck Center • Stephen Wade Chevrolet Cadillac • Stephen Wade Mazda • Stephen Wade Honda • Stephen Wade Nissan • Stephen Wade Toyota • Stephen Wade Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram • Mercedes-Benz of St. George
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
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Resources
Stephen Wade Auto Center | Address: 150 Auto Mall Drive, St. George | Telephone: 435-222-7605 | Website.
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