Nebraska Sports Council opens new HQ, praises donors and volunteers who ‘give so much’

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska Sports Council opened its new headquarters Thursday at the Lincoln Sports Foundation Complex.

It’s one of several projects over the past few years aimed at improving the complex.

Executive Director Dave Mlnarik of the Nebraska Sports Council said the organizations want to make it a place where everyone in Lincoln can play.

“Regardless of their socioeconomic background or their race or gender, anyone who wants to play can find a place to play out here,” he said.

Mlnarik said over 30,000 people participate annually in the council’s sports programs and events.

Both the council and the foundation say they rely heavily on donations and volunteers to achieve their goal of giving athletes more opportunities.

“This whole organization is a lot about giving,” said Scott Ash, the council’s director of operations. “It is about the athletes ’cause that’s sports, but the volunteers give so much, all of our sponsors give so much. It’s one big army out working together.”

He said that after over 30 years with the nonprofit, he hopes that he’s left a positive impact.

Lee Steinbrook, the head tennis coach at Nebraska Wesleyan University, said without these facilities, it can be tough for a community as big as Lincoln to get people playing sports.

Steinbrook said seeing young athletes grow and be engaged in the community is why they do what they do.

“We’ve always viewed sports as a part of the learning and educational experience,” he said. “It’s important to be involved, whatever that is, and sports can be a big part of that. It helps people grow up and learn about leadership and learn about teamwork.”