Our Mission
Provide children with special needs much-needed physical activity and inclusive social interaction while also building compassion and empathy in youth/collegiate athletes.
About ISF
How We Got Started
A moment of setback turned into a catalyst for change.
In 2018, a moment of setback became a catalyst for change. My life skills students were on the cusp of attending an inclusive event, a rare opportunity that promised to enrich their lives. Yet, due to district-wide transportation issues, that dream was suddenly out of reach. The disappointment was palpable, not just among the students but also the parents and educators who understand how vital these experiences are for social and educational development.
Rather than dwelling on what we had lost, we saw an opening—a chance to turn a missed opportunity into a breakthrough. Motivated by the community’s need and fueled by our students’ untapped potential, we envisioned a local sports day event that could tear down the barriers to inclusivity. Out of that vision, Inclusive Sports Foundation was born.
What began as a challenge has now become a beacon, lighting the way for not just our students but for communities everywhere, proving that obstacles can indeed become stepping stones to something extraordinary.
Our Vision
A world where special needs children thrive through active inclusion and where every young athlete understands and embodies the power of compassion.
What We Do
We organize Inclusive Sports Days and Nothing But Nets sports experiences in collaboration with school districts, colleges, universities, and club sports organizations around the country. These events unite children with special needs with student athletes (and when possible, professional athletes) in carnival-style sports activities and sports programming. Within these inclusive settings, our students with special needs actively participate, while the host school and club athletes lead the interactive stations.
Our Values
1. Inclusivity
We are committed to creating environments where special needs children are not just accommodated, but actively involved, celebrated, and supported to ensure they reach their full potential and feel a sense of belonging in all their interactions and endeavors.
2. Compassion
We will embody what it means to be understanding and empathetic towards each individual’s unique journey and challenges and will approach every interaction with kindness, patience, and respect, fostering an environment where both children with special needs and student athletes can mutually support, learn from, and uplift one another, fostering growth, understanding, and unity.
3. Social Interaction
We believe that every child, regardless of their abilities, should have the opportunity to engage, communicate, and build relationships, enhancing their emotional well-being, sense of belonging, and personal development in a supportive community setting.
4. Physical Activity
We will strive to ensure that children, regardless of their abilities, have access to and can benefit from activities that promote physical health, boost self-confidence, improve motor skills, and offer therapeutic advantages in a supportive and adaptive environment.
Our Board Members
The volunteer board is composed of leaders in education, business, and sports. While each of our board members boasts a unique set of skills and experiences, they all share a common passion and unwavering commitment: the belief that the power of sports can truly transform lives.
Matt Lance is a PE Teacher/Football Coach at Centennial High School in Corona, California. His passion is improving the fitness level of all of his various groups of students. He teaches an Athletic Conditioning class for General Ed PE students called The TEAMS, Freshman PE and Life Skills PE.
Ian is a CEO, Co-Founder, and Entrepreneur with experience in technology, mobility, logistics, and retail operation. He has experience in turnaround management, roll-ups, mergers, acquisitions, and two successful exits. He currently sits on the board of 5 other companies in diverse industries such as software, manufacturing, retail, and mobility. Ian served our country as a United States Marine. He is also Dr. Lance’s best friend since high school.
Mike Gunderson is the founder of Gunderson Direct, Inc., a direct marketing agency that helps businesses drive new leads and close more sales through traditional offline channels, especially direct mail. Prior to starting Gunderson Direct Inc., Mike served as senior art director at Providian Financial, where he cut his teeth on rigorously targeted, response-driven direct mail campaigns. In addition to running his company, he has been president of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Silicon Valley, and has served on the EO board for over five years. He has a huge heart for helping communities and young people as he has worked closely with the Alameda Boys and Girls club in the past and we are blessed to have him bring his talents to us.
Brandon Magee is an Arizona State University alumni and former two sport professional athlete who played in the NFL and MLB simultaneously. Currently, Brandon is a filmmaker developing a select slate of projects geared toward making the world a better place. First up, for NETFLIX, is the REDD ZONE, staring Jada Pinkett Smith which he is Executive Producing for Westbrook Studios. A true humanitarian, during his time at ASU Magee visited more than 30 elementary schools across the Phoenix valley to talk to kids about overcoming obstacles, the importance of education and maintaining a positive mindset. He has also coordinated health fairs for local elementary school children and their families, as well as visited several hospitals, churches and other youth organizations in the Phoenix area.
Stacie is an experienced brand and marketing executive with a diverse background in tech and healthcare sectors. Skilled in brand and experience design, she has led teams in both global and domestic markets, across for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Shifting from corporate to consulting, Stacie applies her extensive knowledge to enhance brand equity, marketing, and operational excellence for B2C and B2B companies. Stacie served our country in the United States Army and has volunteered her time coaching various youth sports programs.
Dalton graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics and a minor in real estate. He also played Offensive Line for the Utah State University football team and was named a two-time Whitesides Scholar-Athlete.
Dalton currently resides in northern Utah with his wife, Madi, and their three daughters. He enjoys spending time outdoors, golfing, and traveling with his family.
Staff
Caroline Bowen
Madison Forsythe
Jessica Carlton
Meeting Minutes
ISF News
College athletes and San Diego students with disabilities team up for day of sports
The Inclusive Sports Foundation and University of San Diego created an unforgettable day where student-athletes and kids with disabilities played side by side — breaking barriers, building friendships, and proving the power of inclusion through sports.
Our Sponsors & Donors
Our Commitment to Transparency and Integrity
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we deeply value transparency and integrity in all we do. Here’s how your donations make a difference:
- 100% Donation Policy: Every cent of your donation is directly allocated to our programs.
- Direct Impact: Your contribution directly supports the lives we touch and the causes we advocate for.
- Mission-Driven: Your donation reinforces our commitment to driving positive change.
- Trust and Support: Your trust in us is crucial, enabling us to continue our work with the greatest impact and effectiveness.
Your support is essential in helping us maintain the highest standard of accountability and ensuring that every dollar contributes to our mission.
- Our City Church
- The Reason – Movie
- Moffatt Athletic Charity
- Shangri-La Construction LP
- NAHAN Direct Marketing
- Gunderson Direct
- M&R Engineering
- Tom McMahon, Las Vegas Raiders
- Matt Moore
- Epic Wings
- Eco Office
- Spectrum Designs
- Walmart
- Power Grade Inc.
- Chick-Fil-A
- Sam’s Club
- Lee’s Marketplace