The
National Football League (NFL) Foundation today announced its enhanced support
of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame and the NFL’s ongoing support of fostering
the growth of Polynesian Football Players in the US. The NFL Foundation will
proudly support the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame with a $75,000 grant contributing
to player and coach development, general operations, coaching clinics and
officiating expansion.
“We are honored and proud to
have the support of the National Football League in our effort to increase
opportunities for our community,” said JESSE SAPOLU, 4x Super Bowl
Champion and Chairman & Co-Founder of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame.
“The significant impact of Polynesians in football continues to grow with more
than 70 players on NFL rosters, hundreds playing at the collegiate level and
thousands more in the high school ranks, performing at the highest levels
today.”
In addition to the partnership, the NFL will invite
Polynesian coaches to participate in the NCAA and NFL Coaches Academy, which
provides current, full-time college football coaches at NCAA member schools an
educational opportunity to build connections and develop leadership acumen. Current
full-time position coaches, coordinators, and assistant or associate head
coaches at NCAA member institutions are eligible to apply. In addition, officials associated with the
Polynesian Football Hall of Fame are invited to apply to the Tom Beard Football
Officials Clinic (TBFOC), consisting of experienced football officials who have
varying levels of experience. The group’s primary focus is to train and develop
the best football officials in the region.
“Both the NFL and the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame have a
longstanding history of developing and supporting the game of football”, says Pittsburgh
Steelers owner ART ROONEY II. “By deepening our commitment to diversity,
we are expanding opportunities for all. We are excited to support to the
Polynesian Football Hall of Fame through this partnership.”
About the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame
In
2013, Super Bowl Champions Jesse Sapolu and Ma’a Tanuvasa established the
Polynesian Football Hall of Fame (PFHOH) to honor Polynesia’s greatest
players, coaches and contributors. Located at the Polynesian Cultural
Center, this beautiful display showcases the achievements of the
inductees and Polynesian football legends with plaques, photos, mementos,
an interactive display and a Wall of Honor.
The Polynesian
Football Hall of Fame is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. Its charitable
mission is as follows:
- Preserve, promote and serve as a resource for
Polynesian Football history.
- Provide College scholarships designated for
student-athletes of Polynesian ancestry.
- Educational programs focusing on character and
teamwork for youth within the Polynesian community.
- Support may also be
provided for other initiatives positively benefiting Polynesian culture
and heritage.
About the NFL Foundation
The National Football League Foundation is a nonprofit
organization dedicated to improving the lives of those touched by the game of
football – from players at all levels to communities across the country. The
NFL Foundation and its members, the 32 NFL clubs, support the health, safety
and wellness of athletes, youth football, and the communities that support our
game.
Media Contact: A'Maiya Allen, NFL PR, [email protected]