BEND, OR – June 6, 2024 – Every Kid Sports, a national nonprofit that empowers children in income-restricted families to play sports, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Eleana Fanaika as its new Executive Director. Ms. Fanaika brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role, having served in multiple leadership capacities for the organization during a career dedicated to creating access to sports for children across America.
“Eleana’s elevation to Executive Director will undoubtedly propel us to new heights,” said Arch Fuston, Executive Board Chairman of Every Kid Sports. “She has made such significant contributions to our organization the past seven years, particularly with the evolution of our programs. Her dedication, and innovative approach are invaluable as we strive to support more children in their pursuit of sports.”
“Leading this organization is a dream come true, because I know Every Kid Sports has only scratched the surface of its capabilities,” said Ms. Fanaika. ”While we aspire to continue raising the impact bar, and scaling our partnerships to do so, we also have an incredible opportunity to go deeper with our storytelling, and to leverage the invaluable data at our fingertips to glean meaningful insights about the youth sports space.”
Ms. Fanaika assumes the top leadership post at Every Kid Sports after having served as Director of Programs since 2022. In this role, she oversaw the national Every Kid Sports Pass and the T-Mobile® Little League® Call Up Grant, distributing more than $17.4 million to empower 138,000 disadvantaged children to play youth sports.
Ms. Fanaika has also spearheaded significant user experience enhancements to Every Kid Sports’ website, creating a support portal and help center, and implemented processes which have reduced application review time by 50%. She began her tenure with Every Kid Sports in October, 2017, as the organization’s Program Manager.
Ms. Fanaika is a graduate of San Diego State University, where she majored in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. A multisport athlete in her youth, the invaluable lessons of teamwork, dedication and resilience she gleaned on the fields of play (and having fun along the way!) guide her mission to provide youth league access for all. “Sports has had such a profound influence on my life,” said Ms. Fanaika. “I know, first-hand, how participation can set up children for success in all areas of their lives.”
About Every Kid Sports
Every Kid Sports, a national 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to providing financial support to ensure all children have access to youth sports. By breaking down financial barriers, Every Kid Sports helps kids build confidence, cultivate teamwork skills, and enjoy the numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits of sports participation. Every Kid Sports boasts the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency and is an Aspen Institute Project Play Champion. To learn more, visit everykidsports.org.
Media Contact: James Suri, Marketing Director, Every Kid Sports
(949) 413-9845 | [email protected]