Priest River Youth Sports has been named Nonprofit of the Year by the Priest River Chamber of Commerce, recognizing the organization’s impact on young athletes across the community.
The award acknowledges the nonprofit’s role in operating youth soccer, basketball, and volleyball programs that serve hundreds of children annually. The organization relies on a network of coaches, volunteers, and organizers to deliver programming throughout the year.
Recognition of Community Impact
Tiffiny Simpkins, representing the Priest River Chamber of Commerce, told the Bonner County Daily Bee the award reflects the organization’s broader mission beyond athletics. “Priest River Youth Sports is more than a program. It is a place where children learn confidence, teamwork, discipline, and resilience,” Simpkins stated.
Simpkins added that the nonprofit’s influence extends well beyond competition. “Their work echoes far beyond the scoreboard. It lives on in the character of every child they serve,” she noted.
About Priest River Youth Sports
Priest River Youth Sports operates multiple youth athletic programs designed to engage elementary and middle school-age participants. The organization’s three primary sports — soccer, basketball, and volleyball — provide seasonal opportunities for children to develop athletic skills while building peer relationships and learning fundamental values tied to team competition.
The nonprofit model allows the organization to keep participation costs accessible to families across Priest River while maintaining quality coaching and program infrastructure. The reliance on volunteer coaches and community members reflects a broader trend in rural Idaho youth sports, where nonprofit organizations fill a gap that might otherwise go unfilled in smaller towns.
What Comes Next
The Chamber of Commerce recognition comes as many North Idaho youth sports organizations continue to navigate post-pandemic participation levels and volunteer availability. Priest River Youth Sports’ award underscores the importance of sustained community support for youth athletic programming in smaller communities throughout Bonner County.
Parents and community members interested in supporting the organization or enrolling children in upcoming programs can contact Priest River Youth Sports directly for information on fall and winter sports registration.