Our Research

The United Nations SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) #3 is to “ ​​Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.” One way to promote a healthy life is to play sports. A study by the National Library of Medicine writes that although the obvious positive effects of playing sports are improved physical health and stamina, secondary positive effects include psychological development with teammates and coaches and increased brain volume.

Young people under the age of 18 are recommended to have at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. The human body requires a certain amount of physical activity to stay healthy, and a great way to do this is through sports. Something as simple as playing two hand touch football or a quick game of soccer could improve a person's physical health immensely. Sadly, sports equipment isn’t for free, and often costs a good amount of money. Current studies show that joining a school sports team or club can cost $1,000 and even go up to $1,400 with the cost of equipment specific to a sport (Soccer and Basketball Shoes, Baseball Mitts, Etc.).

Project Play, an organization of the Aspen Institute launched by their Sports and Society program estimates that 25% of children in households that make less than $100,000 yearly play sports. Providing equipment, like a pair of soccer cleats or a new basketball to kids from these families could help lift a burden and help students across the country further their athletic careers. Over 42% percent of teens say they have experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. The introduction of sports and physical activity to students who are in need would relieve them of outside stress and make them feel happier and healthier as a whole.