Local nonprofit Lord's Gym credits INSPIRE grant for growth in youth sports programming

Representatives of Lord's Gym Ministries presented to the Hamilton County commission Jan. 29 to describe how a county INSPIRE grant supported youth athletics in East Price Hill.

Chris McNutt, youth athletics manager at Lord's Gym, described the organization's soccer and newly launched girls' basketball programs and said the INSPIRE grant purchased durable equipment and uniforms that reduced participation barriers. McNutt said the program's SEL (social-emotional learning) results exceeded national benchmarks in 2025, with "85 percent of kids showed meaningful growth in at least one essential capacity." The group said registration fees are kept low ($50 for soccer, $35 for winter basketball) and scholarships are available.

President Stephanie Summer Odomas and commissioners praised the program and noted the county's INSPIRE initiative has supported more than 36,000 young people since inception. Commissioners indicated they will continue funding and oversight of the INSPIRE program during the budget cycle.

McNutt thanked Inspire coordinator Alice Bledsoe and Mary Smith of Activities Beyond the Classroom for help during the grant process and encouraged continued county investment in youth programming.