Blue KC is proud to continue its partnership with local professional sports teams – the Kansas City Royals, Sporting Kansas City, and KC Current. Through these partnerships come programs that honor local heroes who make our hometown an amazing place to live, work, and play.
Blue KC Sporting Samaritans
Educators hold a special place in our hearts. This soccer season, we will recognize teachers and students who make a difference in the KC community. Blue KC Sporting Samaritans are recognized monthly at Children’s Mercy Park during the pregame festivities at Sporting Kansas City home matches.
This year, you will see a familiar face on the pitch. Retired Sporting Kansas City and U.S. Men’s National Team defender Matt Besler is serving as the ambassador for the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan program.
We are proud to call 32 teachers and students Blue KC Sporting Samaritans since the program began in 2016. Colleagues, friends, and fans can nominate a teacher or student as a 2022 Blue KC Sporting Samaritan.
Blue KC Coaches with Character
Since 2017, “C” You in The Major Leagues (CYITML) has teamed up with Blue KC and the Kansas City Royals to recognize Blue KC Coaches with Character. The program spotlights high school coaches who, through their leadership on and off the field, are helping to grow amateur sports in the Kansas City area.
Every month during the baseball season, a Blue KC Coach with Character is interviewed on 610 Sports radio, throws out the ceremonial first pitch, has a photo shoot at the new Blue KC Dugout at Gate D, and enjoys a VIP experience at Kauffman Stadium. Blue KC also donates $2,500 to CYITML in that coach’s name.
All 2022 honorees will meet Dayton Moore, Royals General Manager and CYITML Founder, at a ballpark event in September. They will join the ranks of 24 local coaches recognized in the past five years of the program. Nominate an outstanding coach for Blue KC Coaches with Character.
Hometown Heros
Blue KC and the Kansas City Royals also partner on Hometown Heroes, a program honoring first responders who make a lasting impact in the Kansas City community. Ten honorees will receive four tickets to a Royals game, a $100 Royals gift card, and will be honored prior to the start of the game on the Royals CrownVision videoboard. Also, each individual will have $2,500 donated to The Battle Within in their name. The Battle Within is a mental health program that aims to help first responders find their healing path from PTSD.
We love our city. These programs celebrate the people who help our community thrive. We encourage you to pass along your gratitude and nominate a standout individual.