Golden, Colorado (October 6, 2010) – Participation in sports, fitness, and physical activity will now be possible for Coloradans young and old who would otherwise be couch potatoes. This thanks to a newly formed nonprofit organization called “We Play It Forward.”
A Golden-based 501 (c) (3), We Play It Forward is the charitable arm of Fitness Scouts – and its mission is to empower Coloradans to engage in physical activity as well as healthy habits and lifestyles by creating opportunities through monetary and equipment donations.
“The need is most definitely out there,” says “Coach” Stacy Fowler, founder and Executive Director of We Play It Forward. “Every week you read about athletic fees going up and kids who can’t play because their parents are out of work or just can’t afford uniforms or equipment.” As the economy continues to sputter, families are being forced to choose between soccer registration fees and food for the dinner table. With the cost of gym memberships skyrocketing nationwide, more and more people are opting out.
The result? According to a recent Surgeon General Report, “Overweight and obesity…have reached epidemic proportions in the United States.” Nearly half of American youngsters aged 12 to 21 are NOT vigorously active on a regular basis. Couple this with the fact that children and teens spend an average of 6 hours per day engaged in one form of electronic media or another, and it’s no wonder that waistlines are expanding at an astounding rate.
“Regular physical activity is critical in all stages of life,” says Coach Stacy. “From the 6 year old just learning to ride a bike to the 76 year old getting back in shape after hip replacement. But what if that 6 year old’s family can’t afford the bike? Or the 76 year old’s fixed income makes signing up for the water aerobics class impossible? That’s where we come in.”
We Play It Forward creates opportunities for people to take ownership of their health and fitness through monetary and equipment donations. We Play It Forward solicits donations of new athletic and fitness gear, as well as cash donations, which are then “played forward” to individuals, teams, schools, and community organizations, thereby making participation in physical activity possible.
We Play It Forward encourages organizations of all kinds – schools, libraries, worksites, community centers – to help with the cause by hosting their own equipment drives on behalf of We Play It Forward. “This is a great time of year to host a drive,” says Debby Ridgell, President of the Board of We Play It Forward. “With the holidays approaching, it’s an opportunity for people to give the gift of health – which is the most important gift you can give someone.”
And what about those who need the help? The application process is simple: Complete the short grant application, which can be found on We Play It Forward’s website and the organization’s staff will attempt to fulfill the request – whether it’s the registration fee for a yoga class, or the lacrosse stick needed for the kid who’s made JV.
Says Coach Stacy, “When you’re moving, you’re improving – and our job is to keep folks moving.”
For more information on how to donate, host an equipment drive, or receive assistance from We Play It Forward, log on to www.weplayitforward.org.
