Q. Are we going to have to Save Modified Sports every year?
A. As the current school budget stands, we will have to raise $75,000 each year in order to maintain the modified sports program as it is now with two teams per sport – one for each Middle School. This keeps the number of middle school students participating in sports at approximately 700. We have created the West Genesee Modified Sports Boosters (WGMSB) as an organization that will support the modified sports program in the West Genesee school district.
Q. Why is a concerned group of parents and community members undertaking this effort?
A. The recent cuts to the modified sports budget only allows for one modified (7/8) team for each sport that combining both West Genesee Middle School (WGMS) and Camillus Middle School (CMS). One team per sport means that approximately 300 children will lose the opportunity to experience all the excellent benefits of participation on a school sports team. We are undertaking this effort to maximize the number of children in our community who can participate in school sports at the modified level.
Q. What can parents, grandparents, alumni, and the community do to help?
A. You can get involved by supporting the WGMSB and participate in our fund raising efforts. Throughout the school year, we will be having a variety of fund raisers that require the efforts of volunteers, as well as, financial donations. Information about these fund raisers will be posted on our web site and distributed to students during the school year. Also, you can make a donation right here on our web site by following the yellow “Donate” link in the upper right hand corner of our home page. Encourage family members and friends to make a donation in order to “keep our kids in the game” and support a very worthy cause!
Q. Is the West Genesee district backing this effort?
A. Yes! Superintendent Chris Brown, Athletic Director Mike Burns and the Board of Education support the efforts of the West Genesee Modified Sports Boosters.
Q. Are others affected besides the children who will play modified sports this year?
A. Yes. This will not only affect the children, but it will also impact local businesses (sporting goods, doctors, ice cream, restaurants, etc.) by reducing the number of participants in the program. Also, families that have younger children who would play modified sports in the future may not get the opportunity to do so. And the high school sports programs will suffer as the number of middle school athletes moving up to high school sports would be reduced.
Q. If I donate, will my child, friend, or family member be guaranteed to make the team?
A. No. it is illegal to pay to play in NYS. Your donation gives them the opportunity. The lists of who donated will never be released to the public or the coaches.
Q. Where can I make my donation?
A. You can make a secure online donation through PayPal by following the yellow “Donate” link in the upper right hand corner of this web site home page. If you prefer to donate by check, Please make your check out to “WGMSB” and mail to WGMSB, PO Box 121, Camillus, NY 13031. A receipt for the IRS will come through email from PayPal or be mailed to you for check donations.
