By Lydia Jane Allison
The National Football League (NFL) Foundation today announced its enhanced support of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame and the NFL’s ongoing support of fostering the growth of Polynesian Football Players in the US. The NFL Foundation will proudly support the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame with a $75,000 grant contributing to player and coach development, general operations, coaching clinics and officiating expansion.
“We are honored and proud to have the support of the National Football League in our effort to increase opportunities for our community,” said JESSE SAPOLU, 4x Super Bowl Champion and Chairman & Co-Founder of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. “The significant impact of Polynesians in football continues to grow with more than 70 players on NFL rosters, hundreds playing at the collegiate level and thousands more in the high school ranks, performing at the highest levels today.”
In addition to the partnership, the NFL will invite Polynesian coaches to participate in the NCAA and NFL Coaches Academy, which provides current, full-time college football coaches at NCAA member schools an educational opportunity to build connections and develop leadership acumen. Current full-time position coaches, coordinators, and assistant or associate head coaches at NCAA member institutions are eligible to apply. In addition, officials associated with the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame are invited to apply to the Tom Beard Football Officials Clinic (TBFOC), consisting of experienced football officials who have varying levels of experience. The group’s primary focus is to train and develop the best football officials in the region.
“Both the NFL and the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame have a longstanding history of developing and supporting the game of football”, says Pittsburgh Steelers owner ART ROONEY II. “By deepening our commitment to diversity, we are expanding opportunities for all. We are excited to support to the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame through this partnership.”
About the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame
In 2013, Super Bowl Champions Jesse Sapolu and Ma’a Tanuvasa established the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame (PFHOH) to honor Polynesia’s greatest players, coaches and contributors. Located at the Polynesian Cultural Center, this beautiful display showcases the achievements of the inductees and Polynesian football legends with plaques, photos, mementos, an interactive display and a Wall of Honor.
The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. Its charitable mission is as follows:
- Preserve, promote and serve as a resource for Polynesian Football history.
- Provide College scholarships designated for student-athletes of Polynesian ancestry.
- Educational programs focusing on character and teamwork for youth within the Polynesian community.
- Support may also be provided for other initiatives positively benefiting Polynesian culture and heritage.
About the NFL Foundation
The National Football League Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those touched by the game of football – from players at all levels to communities across the country. The NFL Foundation and its members, the 32 NFL clubs, support the health, safety and wellness of athletes, youth football, and the communities that support our game.
COURTESY NFLmedia.com
