As most of you know I am running the 2009 NYC Marathon with my friend Melissa Coveney on November 1st.  There are many organizations that have begun heavily relying on fundraising in conjunction with events such as marathons. I figured since I was running regardless (even though I am starting to question what I signed up for :) ) that it would be a FANTASTIC excuse to raise funding for a worthy organization. After many hours of researching nonprofits,  I chose Good Sports.

Good Sports mission is to increase youth participation in sports, fitness, and recreational programs by targeting one of major obstacles limiting participation - access to sports equipment. Good Sports distributes sports equipment, footwear, and apparel to community organizations offering programs to disadvantaged youth helping to lay the foundation for healthy, active lifestyles. To accomplish this, Good Sports partners with sporting goods manufacturers to ensure these youth are getting the equipment they need to participate.

Here are some testimonials which I found inspiring.  

“On behalf of the Brighton football team program, I would like to take this time to thank you for your generous donation of football helmets, shoulder pads, and football sled. The equipment that was donated made an immediate impact on the program because it doubled the number of students that we could serve and also made us a very competitive football team. This equipment gave us the ability to now retain students and not have to turn any way.

We were now able to teach them how to play the game of football correctly and safer. The sled helped the kids become better blockers and they now seem to have a sense of pride in their school and community. The 2006 season was a dream season for the Brighton Bengals and we would not have done it without Good Sports Inc.”

            -- Assistant Head Football Coach, Brighton High School (2007)

“I do not know what we would have done without the donation from Good Sports. We have barely managed to provide our little league baseball program to the youth of the city and with the struggling economy, this year has been even worse. We provided a chance for some youth to play this year at no cost and others at a reduced rate. With the help we received from Good Sports all the kids needed was a ride to the baseball field. Thank you again for all your help!”

            --Haverhill Little League (2009)

“It has been a great program year thanks to the support of Good Sports. Your support helped ensure that 2,500 girls in Chicago had the opportunity to play new sports, make healthy choices, and grow up with confidence.”

            --Development Manager, Girls in the Game (2009)

“The Good Sport equipment grant was vital to the success of the program. During the past year, girls ages 8-13 were able to participate in an all girls swimming club. The program has enabled girls from economically distressed area to be afforded the opportunity to swim with not only swimsuits, but the accessories to help complete the look.”

            --Vice President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia (2009)