Chapter Recognition Program presents THE SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA CHAPTER with the October 2009 Award!
The Southwest Virginia Chapter of US Lacrosse, the newest and sixth chapter in Virginia which represents the Roanoke Valley area, began operations in January 2009 after an extensive four month US Lacrosse certification process. Chosen as a US Lacrosse Fast Break Initiative Site, the chapter has made impressive progress in a short time under the direction, energy and vision of Andy Blanton and 21 Board members.
Their area of focus is continued growth and expansion of lacrosse into youth leagues and high schools in their service area. Since the VHSL (Virginia High School League) declared lacrosse an official State sport just three years ago, the interest and potential is enormous. Chapter membership was 463 in inception in January and is expected to quickly increase because the Shenandoah Valley areas and neighboring counties are embracing lacrosse. The chapter has already:
• Hosted a successful kick off fundraiser event in conjunction with the Virginia Tech girls lacrosse program, holding a girls lacrosse clinic for 238 girls before the ACC Women's Championship game
• Secured 11 corporate sponsorships
• Received a New Start equipment grant from US Lacrosse for a new boys lacrosse club
• Established an impressive chapter website to serve as a central source of information on all lacrosse activities in their service area
• Held a US Lacrosse Men's Officials Clinic at Roanoke College and trained 11 new men's officials
• Hosting a US Lacrosse Level I boys and girls coaches clinic this month with 50 already signed up
Learn more about this chapter at www.swvla.ialax.com or contact Andy Blanton by e-mail at ablanton3@cox.net.