Local nonprofit seeks council support for community sports showcase and scholarships

Kenny Jones, founder and CEO of Team Focus Sports Group and Scholar Report Inc., used public comment time to outline an April 25 community activation at the high school called "Battle of the Brands," which will include vendor space, a middle-school showcase, two high-school games (girls and boys) and a men's alumni showcase.

Jones said the event will include two academic-excellence scholarships (named in memory of community members) worth up to $1,000 each. He described Project 44, a broader youth-development initiative addressing gun-violence prevention, mental-health and financial-literacy programming delivered through sport and after-school engagement.

Council members asked how Team Focus recruits participants and how the group coordinates with schools. Jones said the organization has seven core staff, uses athletic-department referrals and conducts community outreach; Corey (identified as director of community inclusion) described regular open-gym nights that serve about 25–30 people and pledged ongoing collaboration with district athletic staff.

Council members and department staff offered general encouragement and said they would try to help connect the group with city resources. No funding commitment or formal action was taken during the meeting.