Your kids will have another year of tennis, cross country and golf in Duval County schools.

Tens of thousands of dollars has been raised to keep the programs running this year.

Donations from private groups and the Jacksonville Sharks also helped keep middle school football running.

But wrestling, slow-pitch softball, lacross and boys JV soccer could be gone unless more money is raised.

Here is more information from the press office at the Duval County School Board:

Jacksonville, FL – Duval County Public Schools held a press conference today to announce that the funds have been raised to save tennis, golf and cross-country for the 2011-12 school year. Thanks to the efforts of 1st Place Sports Running Club, First Coast Tennis Foundation and North Florida Junior Golf, $43,724 was raised for each sport to keep them in Duval County public schools. In addition, Mayor Brown announced that $236,250 was raised to save middle school football as a result of contributions from private organizations, including the Jacksonville Sharks.



In order to save these programs, fundraisers were organized by these companies to show support for their respective sport. 1st Place Sports Running Club held the Stadium Challenge in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and SMG to raise funds for cross-country; First Coast Tennis Foundation held the Save Jax Tennis High School Fundraiser at the San Jose Country Club with local tennis pros; and North Florida Junior Golf sponsored the FORE Our Students golf tournament that took place at the Jacksonville Golf and Country Club.



“I would like to express our gratitude to these organizations for devoting their time and energy to organize and execute the fundraisers that will allow these sports programs to remain in our schools this year,” said Superintendent Pratt-Dannals. “It is encouraging to know that we have such a supportive community that puts the needs of our students before all else.”



There are four remaining sports programs that are continuing to raise the money needed to continue their sport. Those include slow-pitch softball, wrestling, lacrosse and boys J.V. soccer. Approximately $40-$45,000 is needed in order for these four programs to be offered this school year.



Those present at the event today include Superintendent Pratt-Dannals, School Board members, Mayor Brown, Education Commissioner Dr. Horner, the Jacksonville Sharks and the representatives from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and SMG, along with other prominent dignitaries and sports organizations.



Duval County Public Schools operates 177 schools and serves approximately 123,000 students. The school district is committed to providing high quality educational opportunities that will inspire all students to acquire and use the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a global economy, and culturally diverse world.