Louisville Sports Commission Kicks-Off Playing it Forward Initiative
Program Provides New / Gently Used Sporting Equipment to Area Youth
Louisville, Ky. – November 14, 2017 – The Louisville Sports Commission (LSC) announced today it will kick off its Playing it Forward initiative at two special events to be held on Nov. 18, 2017. These inaugural events are sponsored by the Kentucky Colonels’ Good Works Program with support from U.S. Bank and Louisville Metro Parks.
Playing it Forward is designed to provide new and/or gently used sporting equipment to low- and moderate-income kids and help eliminate the cost of equipment as a barrier to participate in organized sports. By removing this barrier, the LSC will help nearly 100 Louisville-area kids participate in sports in their own neighborhoods as a means to experience physical activity.
“Many young people in our community do not have the resources to play organized sports – they are restricted in the types of physical activity in which they can participate,” said Karl F. Schmitt, Jr., president and CEO of the Louisville Sports Commission. “Playing It Forward puts new and gently used sporting equipment into kids’ hands to challenge the economic barriers that restrict many of our youth from participating in sports.”
“This week, the Sports Commission will be able to help about 100 youth at two locations in West Louisville. With the right public and private partners, we believe it is possible someday to provide equipment to thousands of kids from all parts of our community,” Schmitt continued.
Thanks to generous grants by the Kentucky Colonels and U.S. Bank, the first distribution of sporting equipment will take place on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, in partnership with Louisville Metro Parks. The morning distribution will be held at the Southwick Community Center from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The afternoon distribution will be held at the Park Hill Community Center from 1 – 3 p.m.
“A Kentucky Colonel is more than just a certificate, it’s a group of compassionate individuals who care about the citizens of Kentucky and who want to make a difference,” said Barbara Dutschke, commanding general of the board of trustees of the Kentucky Colonels. “We harness our members’ generous donations and award grants to not-for-profits to help those most in need throughout the Commonwealth.”
Companies interested in learning how they can participate in Playing it Forward can contact the LSC at 502-587-7767.