Athletes for Hope’s Post

TODAY is the last chance to support Youth Sports Giving Day! As a former track and cross-country athlete—and coach—I’ve personally experienced the lifelong benefits of sports. From teamwork and discipline to perseverance, these lessons still guide me today. Did you know? A survey of Fortune 500 companies found that 94% of female executives played sports as kids, with over half competing at the university level. The benefits go far beyond the field, shaping leaders of tomorrow. Unfortunately, opportunities for youth sports are dwindling. Rising costs and budget cuts are making it harder for families, especially those with lower incomes, to afford participation. Only 34% of kids from low-income families play regular sports, compared to 67.7% from wealthier families. Let’s change that! Don’t miss this final opportunity to support Youth Sports Giving Day and ensure that all young people have the chance to thrive through sports. Join us: Visit https://lnkd.in/gtuDf68W TODAY to support your favorite youth sports nonprofit. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the next generation, both on and off the field. #YouthSportsGivingDay

Empowering Youth Through Sports: Building Stronger Communities Youth empowerment through sports isn’t just about scoring goals or winning trophies – it’s about nurturing the next generation of leaders, problem-solvers, and community builders. When we provide young people with opportunities to engage in sports, we’re giving them more than just a game; we’re equipping them with essential life skills that transcend the playing field. In every community, sports have the power to break down barriers, foster inclusion, and instill values like teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Whether it’s kicking a soccer ball, shooting hoops, or swinging a racket, sports teach young people the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity and the value of collaboration towards a common goal. Moreover, youth involvement in sports cultivates a sense of belonging and identity, helping them develop confidence and self-esteem crucial for navigating the challenges of adolescence. By harnessing the energy and enthusiasm of our youth, we can channel their potential towards positive social change, making our communities stronger, safer, and more vibrant. As professionals, educators, and community leaders, let’s recognize the pivotal role that sports play in shaping the future of our youth. Let’s invest in programs and initiatives that promote equal access to sports opportunities for all young people, regardless of their background or circumstances. Together, let’s empower our youth through sports and unlock their full potential to create a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow. #EMPOWERNXT #SportsForChange #CommunityBuilding

Too many young people remain unable to access the transformational benefits of community sport. The barriers to access are significant and are slowly creating a generation of young people who are less active, more unhappy and less sociable. Today we launch our manifesto for change.

As the debate over youth sports funding continues, opinions are divided. Some believe that investing in youth sports is essential to keeping young people healthy and active, while others argue that other resources should take priority. Brandon, a strong advocate for youth sports, argues that youth sports provide a healthy alternative to the dangers of the streets. Sage shares a similar view, emphasizing the importance of keeping youth healthy and active. However, Julian raises concerns about the limited accessibility of sports for all youth, suggesting that other resources, such as violence and mental health resources, should be prioritized. Jason and Marie share the belief that local governments should allocate more funds to youth sports, while Tabit argues that funding should be distributed equally to all community sports teams. What are your thoughts on the role of youth sports in promoting health and well-being among young people? Should governments invest more in youth sports, or are there other areas that require more urgent attention? Share your views in the comments below.

🚀 Basketball in Australia: A Growing Phenomenon 🏀 Basketball has been making significant strides in Australia, capturing the hearts and minds of people across the nation. The recent AusPlay report sheds light on this exciting trend, revealing how the sport is not only gaining popularity but also fostering a sense of community and promoting health and well-being. From bustling urban centers to local clubs, basketball is becoming a cornerstone of Australian sports culture. Here are the key insights from the report: Participation Rates: Basketball continues to thrive, with over 1.3 million Australians participating in 2023. This trend is expected to grow, especially among youth and young adults. Gender Distribution: The sport boasts a balanced gender distribution, with increasing female participation, showcasing successful efforts towards gender equality. Regional Popularity: Urban areas lead in participation rates, emphasizing the importance of accessible facilities and programs in cities. Health and Fitness Benefits: Players report significant physical and mental health benefits, underscoring basketball’s role in promoting overall well-being. Community Engagement: Local clubs and organizations foster a strong sense of community, teamwork, and belonging among players. Wheelchair Basketball: Wheelchair basketball is also experiencing remarkable growth in Australia. As one of the fastest-growing sports for athletes with disabilities, it has a strong presence and is celebrated for its inclusivity and competitive spirit. Australia’s national teams, like the Rollers, have achieved significant success on the international stage, further promoting the sport. Additionally, the rise of Australian NBA stars like Josh Giddey and Patty Mills has fueled this growth. Their success stories inspire many young Australians, driving grassroots participation and elevating the sport’s profile. With the announcement of the new 11-court Indoor Sports Centre being built on the Sunshine Coast, there are even more opportunities for continued participation in basketball. This state-of-the-art facility will provide a hub for local clubs, schools, and community groups to come together and enjoy the sport. It will also host tournaments and events, further promoting basketball and encouraging more people to get involved. Basketball in Australia is not just a game; it’s a movement towards a healthier, more inclusive, and engaged community 🏀🌞 #Basketball #SportsGrowth #Community #Inclusion #WheelchairBasketball Basketball Australia Basketball Queensland National Basketball League (NBL) Matt Scriven Joshua Pascoe Tristan Russell Kristen Penny Mike Bridie Kean PLY Suncoast Spinners Katie Hutchinson

Happy National Girls and Women in Sports Day! Sports transforms little girls into strong women. As we celebrate #NGWSD2024 let’s remember the lessons we learn from sports, and how they easily transfer to the workplace. In fact, this is the theme of the talk I have been giving a lot over the last year “From the Locker Room to the Board Room - How to Channel Your Inner Athlete” Here’s a sampling of what I learned from sports: 📢 Advocate for myself ⏰ Time management 🏀 Bounce back from failure 🙌 Confidence 🧗♀️ Take risks ⚒️ Work ethic 📈 Leadership 👏 Teamworrk This is why 94% of women in the CSuite played sports. This is why we need to offer sports, encourage sports, and fund sports for girls and women! What did you learn from playing sports?

We may have forgotten youth sports in DEI. Let's make youth sports equitable to everyone. We paid over $3000 last year in club fees, meets, private coaching lessons, equipment, and traveling. "The difference between the haves and have-nots when it comes to youth sports are bracing: 34.1 percent of kids from the poorest families were on sports teams or had coaching outside of school, compared with 67.7 percent of the wealthiest families, according to the 2020-2021 National Survey of Children’s Health." More active kids means more healthy adults down the line. #sports #equity #DEI https://lnkd.in/giUK_hRY

As we mark five years of dedicated work at ShareWaves, we face an evolving challenge that demands our collective attention and innovative solutions. Our commitment to providing every child with the life-enriching benefits of sports remains unwavering. Over the past five years, we have tirelessly worked to identify and remove barriers that hinder under-resourced households from participating in sports. Our focus has been bridging the gap between privileged children and those from lower economic backgrounds, ensuring equitable access to high-quality sports experiences for all. However, despite our efforts, we recognize a systemic crisis in youth sports. The prevalent "pay-for-play" and "win-at-all-costs" mentality drives many young people away from sports, leading to alarming dropout rates and disenchantment among youth. As we contemplate our future direction, fundraising remains a challenge despite our impactful strategies. However, we will continue removing barriers to sports participation and addressing the systemic issues within the broken youth sports model. Our goal remains clear: to ensure that every child has equitable access to the transformative power of sports.