Kevin Armstrong, M.D., Memorial Sports Foundation

Since the inception of the Kevin Armstrong, M.D. Memorial Sports Foundation in 2005, the Foundation has been committed to supporting and benefitting the youth of the Santa Ana Unified School District through athletic events, competitions, and professional development.  In this short time, the Foundation has served thousands of youth in the Santa Ana Unified School District by supporting intermediate sports competitions like the All City Track Meet, volleyball, soccer, basketball, flag football, and sponsoring our after school running club, RunStrong.

RunStrong is our largest program and helps junior high school kids become more fit by preparing them to run a half-marathon. Under the guidance of volunteer coaches, RunStrong kids train for four road races including the Southern California Half-Marathon and 5K. The Foundation pays for all race fees and provides transportation, tee shirts and a pair of running shoes. Even though most of our runners have never run a race before joining RunStrong, they are soon running distances they would not have previously thought possible. Some are even winning races in their age groups!

The Foundation was established in celebration of the life of Dr. Kevin Armstrong and his belief that students of modest economic means could achieve higher goals if they received the proper support, inspiration and opportunities. Dr. Armstrong was equally passionate about sports and the positive impact that they could have on children and adolescents. As a respected orthopedic surgeon, he found a fitting career that embodied his love of sports and dedication to community service.

Dr. Armstrong's enduring connection to Santa Ana began as a child. He attended Diamond Elementary School and was ASB President and Valedictorian at Carr Intermediate School. Having lost his father at a young age, he experienced firsthand the value of sports programs.

Although his family later moved to Irvine, the lessons of hard work and discipline were ingrained. He graduated from Woodbridge High School, where in addition to serving as ASB President, he participated in football, basketball and track & field. Dr. Armstrong received numerous scholastic and athletic awards while in high school including the Irvine Company's Leadership Award.

Dr. Armstrong attended Princeton University where he received an undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology and also served as co-captain of the football team. He earned a medical degree and completed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at UCLA and completed the Sports and Shoulder Orthopedic Fellowship Program at the University of Pittsburgh under the direction of the esteemed Dr. Freddie Fu.

Dr. Armstrong returned to Orange County to accept a position as Clinical Professor and Orthopedic Surgeon at UCI Medical Center. In addition to this position, he worked with the Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. Dr. Armstrong also devoted his time and talent to Santa Ana as a volunteer team physician for Century High School and Saddleback High School.

Still in the early stages of his medical career, Dr. Kevin Armstrong died suddenly in May 2005 of a rare heart condition. He was 39 years old. A scholar, mentor, respected physician and pillar of the community, Dr. Armstrong is greatly missed by family, friends, and the communities he served.