Crowded tennis stadium with spectators watching a match.

Our Vision

The Sports Center & Research Institute

A state-of-the-art facility dedicated to encouraging and facilitating healthy, active lifestyles for everyone.

“The center will be woven into the fabric of the community, offering opportunities for all athletes to participate in sports without limitation or barriers.”

- JOSEPHINE SULLIVAN, FOUNDER & CEO

Our Vision

A Center of Inclusiveness

The Sports Center & Research Institute will be a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to encouraging and facilitating healthy, active lifestyles for everyone. Children and adults, with and without intellectual and/or physical challenges, are supported by the Foundation's Recreational Therapeutic Adaptive and Inclusive Sports Fitness Research Programs.

The Sports Center & Research Institute will host leagues and tournaments, including Paralympic sports. The Sports Center & Research Institute will entertain year-round activities in a variety of sports for all athletes of all skill levels, adapted to one’s abilities.

Sports Management Company will operate the facility, and Sports Advisory will assist in the development and planning of the Center. The Sports Center & Research Institute will be self-sustaining. The Foundation recognizes each person’s value and is committed to employing individuals with and without intellectual and physical challenges.

Large outdoor digital screen displaying a group photo on a modern building.
A modern building with solar panels and a large digital screen.
A stylized dove with a butterfly over a globe.

Overview

168,000 Square Feet

The Sports Center & Research Institute will become a world-class destination where athletes, educators, researchers, and students will gather together from around the world.

The Sports Center & Research Institute will become woven into the fabric of the community, driving economic tourism and creating an opportunity for persons of all abilities!

What's Coming?

To the Great State of Texas

Detailed site plan showing open areas, courts, and parking layout.
Architectural floor plan showing building layout with rooms and pathways.
Architectural floor plan highlighting a pool and adjacent rooms.
Architectural floor plan showing layout of rooms and corridors.
Architectural floor plan highlighting different building sections and a legend.

We Have the Power to Make a Difference.

What People Are Saying

USTA Texas logo with a blue tennis ball and flame design.

“The Foundation has the same passion that USTA Texas has when it comes to working with people with disabilities. Our goal is to promote and develop recreational tennis opportunities for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities through inclusion and support by providing organizations like the Grillo Sullivan Foundation with equipment, training, curriculum and funding.”

CINDY BENZON

USTA Adaptive/Wheelchair Coordinator

Logo featuring bold blue letters and the words 'Education Agency'.

“In almost every household, you will find someone with a disability,” said Macke-Hines, who holds a doctorate in organizational development. “I suffer from multiple sclerosis, and some days I walk normally, and on other days, I can hardly walk at all. It’s wonderful that there is going to be a place where I can enjoy physical activities on both good days and bad days, and not be looked at differently just because I have a handicap.”

LASON MACKE-HINES

PhD Texas Education Agency

Logo of the Special Olympics with red background and white text.

“It is our greatest pleasure to write a letter of support for The Christina Sullivan Foundation. This organization has displayed a commitment to our Special Olympics athletes by going above and beyond what we have asked. Special Olympics Texas fully supports the hard work and efforts of the Foundation and their partners as they continue to make a big difference in our Gulf Coast community.”

PAM HOLLAWAY

Director Area 22 The Gulf Coast

Logo featuring 'mb Health' with the tagline 'together to work'.

“As part of the support from The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), we plan to have our logo and brand trademark on the outside of the building where we will have clirfical, education and research space. It is our belief that our collaboration will strengthen both of our programs in support of the population to be served by the Christina Sullivan Foundation. We also intend to provide clinical services to populations of patients who may not be directly impacted by the Christina Sullivan Foundation. This additional exposure will bring other individuals into your organization and help to build awareness of Foundation programs and the services to be offered.”

BECKY KORENEK, MBA, MHA

UTMB Heath - Executive Vice President, Business Development & Chief Strategy Officer