22 Jul Community Foundation Awards $24K Grant to Send Team Marion USA to International Children’s Games
Marion, Indiana — The Community Foundation of Grant County has awarded a $24K grant to support Team Marion USA as 18 local student-athletes travel to Hualien, Taiwan, from July 30 through August 7, to compete in the 2026 International Children’s Games (ICG).
This summer, over 1,600 athletes from 60 teams will travel to Taiwan to compete in 8 different sports. Team Marion USA will compete in three sports: 3×3 Boys Basketball, 6v6 Boys Soccer, and 6v6 Girls Soccer. Only 17 cities across North America will participate in this year’s International Children’s Games. Marion, Indiana, will proudly be the only delegation from the United States represented in these three sports. For these athletes, this journey is about much more than competition.
The International Children’s Games provide young athletes with the opportunity to compete on an international stage while building friendships across cultures, experiencing new traditions, and serving as ambassadors for their communities. Throughout the Games, Team Marion USA will represent not only Marion and Grant County, but also the State of Indiana and the United States.
“These students have worked incredibly hard to earn this opportunity,” said Shelly Jones, Chief Development Officer for the Community Foundation of Grant County. “We couldn’t be more excited to see them represent our community on an international stage. This experience will shape their lives long after the final game is played, and we are proud to invest in young people who are demonstrating teamwork, leadership, and excellence.”
The Community Foundation grant helps offset travel, lodging, and participation expenses for the delegation, ensuring these local student-athletes can participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The team is working to raise $60,000 to make the trip possible, and community support continues to play an important role in ensuring every student has the opportunity to participate regardless of financial circumstances.
“This is about much more than athletics,” said Aaron Murray, Delegation Manager. “These students will return home with a broader perspective of the world, new friendships across cultures, and memories that will stay with them forever. We are incredibly grateful to the Community Foundation and everyone who has supported Team Marion USA.”
The Community Foundation’s investment reflects its ongoing commitment to creating opportunities that enrich the lives of Grant County residents and empower the next generation of leaders.
As Team Marion USA travels to Hualien this summer, whether on the basketball court or the soccer field, they will carry with them the pride and encouragement of an entire community cheering them on from home.
For more information about the Community Foundation of Grant County or to learn how charitable giving creates opportunities for local students and families, visit GiveToGrant.org.
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About the International Children’s Games
The International Children’s Games (ICG) is an International Olympic Committee-recognized event that brings together young athletes from cities around the world for friendly competition and cultural exchange. Through the Games, participants experience international travel, develop lifelong friendships, and serve as ambassadors for their communities. Team Marion USA is proud to represent Marion, Grant County, Indiana, and the United States at the 2026 Games in Hualien, Taiwan.
About the Community Foundation of Grant County
The Community Foundation of Grant County, Indiana, Inc. is an advocate for local philanthropy and is dedicated to improving the lives of people in the Grant County area. An effective steward of the community’s charitable resources since 1984, the Foundation partners with donors to establish charitable funds and invests in nonprofit organizations and community initiatives through a variety of grantmaking efforts. The Community Foundation connects people, resources, and causes to promote sustainable impact for the betterment of Grant County. Currently the Community Foundation holds over 400 charitable funds that support a variety of charities and charitable causes in Grant County. For more information, please visit GiveToGrant.org.
Media Contact:
Shelly Jones
Chief Development Officer
Community Foundation of Grant County
Shelly@GiveToGrant.org
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