EVERY GIRL DESERVES HER SHOT
Honoring the memory of Bernard "Bernie" Walsen, we provide support to young women pursuing sports to enrich their lives. Join us to continue the cause to which he dedicated his life.
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Bernie believed strongly that the lack of money should not limit a girl's ability to participate, compete and experience the benefits of team sports. All were welcome to try out for his teams and Bernie always found a way to make it work.
The Bernard Walsen Athletes Fund seeks to carry on with his mission: to ensure that young women have the opportunity to compete at high levels. The fund, started and operated by lifelong friends of Bernie, has no paid employees and minimal expenses, with the goal of distributing nearly all funds collected to help athletes learn and participate.
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We operate primarily in Colorado, helping softball players in the state to develop their skills and join the competition.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
After coming to America and starting a family in 1960s, Bernie Walsen recognized that his daughters did not have the same opportunities as boys to compete and play in competitive sports. He wanted more for his girls than the "Powder Puff" recreational town softball league could offer. Bernie knew that competitive sports could help young women to develop key life skills, such as discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence, qualities that would benefit them for the rest of their lives.
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It was then that he started a team called the JAIs, a group of young women that trained hard and professionally, and traveled the region to compete against other similar teams. Bernie spent nearly 50 years coaching the JAIs in New Jersey, California and finally Colorado.
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Our Programs
HOW WE SUPPORT WOMEN IN SPORTS
Participation
Playing competitive softball requires commitment. Not just the commitment to train hard and improve your skills, but also the financial commitment that comes with joining a team. We provide direct financial assistance in the form of grants to female athletes that need help covering team fees and travel expenses.
Training
To achieve an athlete's full potential, professional 1-on-1 training is often part of the equation. Our fund works with a number of trainers in the Colorado region to help pay for expert services for select individuals.