Since its beginning in 1986, The Jim Thorpe Association has developed a broad range of civic and charity activities.
Awards & Scholarships
Each year, the Jim Thorpe Association honors athletes for their athletic and/or academic success and accomplishments. Awards such as:
- Jim Thorpe Award – best college defensive back in the nation
- High School All State Player of the Year Awards in all sports.
- More than $16,000 in student-athlete scholarships for college
- Jim Thorpe Trophy for the NFL’s most valuable player
Click here for more on awards & scholarships
Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame
Founded in 1986, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame became part of the Jim Thorpe Association in 1989. A 20-name ballot of the state’s greatest sports figures is selected each year from a list of almost 150 nominees. Selection is based on accomplishments in sports and identification with Oklahoma. Voters select at least two inductees, while the honors committee selects additional honorees.
Click here for more on Ok Sports HOF
Bright Path Youth Programs
Bright Path is the English translation of Jim Thorpe’s Indian name, Wa-Tho-Huck. It is also the umbrella name for all Jim Thorpe Association activities affecting children in elementary school through high school. The Jim Thorpe Association’s Bright Path Youth Program is designed to encourage young people to participate in positive activities that promote health, fitness, academics and self-esteem, making them far less likely to accept negative influences and lifestyles. The positive activities of the Bright Path Program include:
- Children’s Challenge Contest for Elementary School Students
- National Football Foundation and All Sports Awards Banquet
- Drug Free Youth and Red Ribbon Celebration
- Scholarships
Click here for more info on Bright Path Youth Programs
The Jim Thorpe Association Executive Council
The Executive Council is the Association’s advisory board and provides the primary foundation and direction for the Jim Thorpe Association’s various charity and civic programs.
We ask our Executive Council members to act as ambassadors to “spread the word” about our work, serve on committees if their time permits, and provide or help raise $1,500 per year for Thorpe projects. This is accomplished by purchasing a table at one of our banquets, putting a team in a golf tournament, selling banquet tickets or golf hole sponsors, etc., or in other ways providing goods, services or funds to help the organization achieve its mission.
The List of Jim Thorpe Association Executive Council Members
