A second-generation organization that promotes neighborliness and community service through sports has emerged within the Korean American community in Southern California.
The AKP Sports Foundation, founded by John Lee, 28, a Los Angeles native who currently works as a congressional lobbyist in Washington, D.C., will be hosting a basketball tournament for Korean American churches on Saturday, August 5, at Terasaki Budokan (49 S. Los Angeles St.), a recreation center in Little Tokyo, near downtown Los Angeles.
The basketball tournament, starting at 9 a.m., will welcome around 150 participants from first-generation churches such as Grace Ministries International, LA SaRang Community Church, New Life Vision Church, Good Stewards Church, and Tapestry LA, along with second-generation and English-speaking churches attended by Asians.
Upon the conclusion of the event, 100 low-income students will receive school supplies, which were purchased using the funds raised from the tournament. Children in need of school supplies can register at (akpsports.org) or register in person on the day of the event.
In 2022, Lee organized a soccer tournament for Korean American college students from ten universities on the East Coast, including New York University, George Washington University, and Boston College, successfully hosting 400 participants.
This year, the tournament has expanded to include 15 universities. In May, Lee also organized a football tournament for four Korean American churches in Texas, which was warmly welcomed by the Korean American community.
Earlier this year, Lee officially launched the AKP Sports Foundation, which derives its name from the first letters of the Latin words for love (agape), opportunity (kairos), and life (pneuma). Combining these words, the organization became the AKP Sports Foundation.
Currently, the AKP Sports Foundation is supported by over 30 Korean Americans who share the President’s vision and volunteer their time as board members and staff. Yumi Hogan, the wife of former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, widely known as the “Korean son-in-law,” also serves as an advisor to the AKP Foundation. While Lee is occupied as a congressional lobbyist, he dedicates his weekends to meeting with his staff and meticulously preparing for the upcoming events.
“Sports serve as a medium to connect Korean American youth with both the Asian community and the mainstream society. Through sports, we aim not only to promote Asian rights but also to support Asian athletes and neighbors facing challenging circumstances. Additionally, we plan to contribute to the development of the Korean American community through various programs, including scholarships for low-income Asian athletes and sports camps for Korean American youth, featuring professional Asian athletes.”
Inquiries: (626)720-3898
BY NICOLE CHANG [chang.nicole@koreadaily.com]
