About
OUR BEGINNINGS
In 1971, civic-minded business leaders founded Sports Celebrities, believing in the power of sports to unlock youth potential. Now known as the Orange County Youth Sports Foundation (OCYSF), it has grown into a celebrated charitable organization dedicated to helping young athletes overcome obstacles. OCYSF provides scholarships, grants, and financial resources to local sports-related organizations, supporting the dreams of Orange County’s youth.
SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR BANQUET
OCYSF is known for its annual Sportsperson of the Year banquet, first held at Santa Ana’s Saddleback Inn to honor race car driver Dan Gurney. This event has become a highly anticipated community tradition, celebrating sports figures who inspire youth and lead in their communities. Rod Carew, Janet Evans, Bob Costas, Tom Lasorda, Jerry West, Teemu Selanne, Matt Leinart, Pete Carroll, Ann Meyers-Drysdale, Jim Nantz, Bill Walsh, Carson Palmer, April Ross, Bruce Rollinson and many more since 1971.
The award, inspired by the cast iron bells of El Camino Real, honors the county’s history and underscores OCYSF’s commitment to the community’s future.
Board
Today, we stand united as a Board composed of local leaders, business owners, professionals, and retirees who share a deep passion for sports and a commitment to supporting those in need within our community. We believe that participation in sports has profoundly shaped our identities, achievements, and the connections we’ve made throughout our lives.
It’s disheartening to acknowledge that, despite our vibrant and resource-rich community, there are still children in Orange County who are deprived of the opportunity to engage in youth sports—opportunities that are not just enriching but, in many cases, life-saving. We recognize the immense value that sports bring, from fostering physical health and emotional resilience to building social skills and leadership qualities.
We cannot stand by while some children are left behind, simply due to circumstances beyond their control. We are committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background, has access to the benefits of youth sports. By providing these opportunities, we are not just helping them stay active; we are giving them a better chance to succeed in life, both academically and professionally.
ADVISORY BOARD
Our Advisory Board is made up of local sports, business, education and entertainment executives with unparalleled networks and a passion for supporting Orange County youth.
Bob Costas
SPORTSCASTER
29 Emmy Awards
8x National Sportscaster of the Year
2022 OCYSF Sportsperson of the Year
Janet Evans
USA SWIMMING LEGEND
brian goodell
USA & UCLA Swimming Legend
Ann Meyers Drysdale
UCLA BASKETBALL LEGEND AND TRAILBLAZER
1st woman to get a 4-year athletic scholarship
Attended Sonora H.S. in La Habra
2024 OCYSF Sportsperson of the Year
John Ireland
LOS ANGELES LAKERS SPORTSCASTER SINCE 2011
Raised in Corona del Mar
2016 OCYSF Sportsperson of the Year
jacob ullman
Fox Sports Senior VP of Production & Talent Development
Newport Harbor High School ’91
TOM JOHNSON
Publisher & Writer, Stu News Newport, Daily Pilot
Named Citizen of the Year, 2011
Former OCYSF Board President
KEN PURCELL
Chairman of Santa Ana College Foundation
Vice President, First American Title
Former OCYSF Board President
JOE DONAHUE
Founder, CEO of ProSport Physical Therapy since 1992
Operates multiple facilities including Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Foothill Ranch and more
IN MEMORY OF PAUL SALATA
“NOBODY IS REALLY IRRELEVANT. EVERYONE SHOULD BE HONORED EQUALLY” – Paul Salata
Orange County Youth Sports Foundation was founded by former USC and NFL receiver Paul Salata (10/17/1926 – 10/16/2021) in 1971. Paul is the only person to have been a Founding Board Member, a former Board President and a Sportsperson of the Year award recipient. In 1976 Paul also founded Mr. Irrelevant to honor the LAST pick of the NFL Draft. Paul’s daughter Melanie Salata Fitch, an OCYSF Board Member, announces the last pick of the NFL Draft live each year, organizes a weeklong celebration in Newport Beach called Irrelevant Week and hosts the Lowsman Banquet to honor Mr. Irrelevant’s perseverance and sportsmanship and to raise money for various charities. Paul’s legacy lives on through the many lives touched through the charitable efforts of Orange County Youth Sports Foundation and Mr. Irrelevant.
