No kid deserves to grow up without exposure to sports, especially those in difficult and damaging family or economic situations. Besides being a fun, healthy activity, sports provide a young person with a foundation of good values and habits that stretch far beyond the field of play. In some cases, sports prevent kids from hanging with the wrong crowd, while in others it brings out their best self. While sports can provide these important features to a young person’s life, sports tend to have entry barriers such as costs of equipment and coaching, ultra-competitive and selective all-star teams as well as an intimidating nature. Organizations like The First Tee are working to eliminate these and other barriers to inspire young people to get involved. For those who don’t know, The First Tee is a non-profit youth organization whose mission is to provide youth with educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. They introduce kids to nine core values: Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy and Judgement. For this organization, its more than just golf, it’s about helping to shape and impact the lives of kids from every walk of life.

As someone who has played sports my whole life, I have felt the impact and been a benefactor of the things sports provides a young person. I know friends of mine who, without sports, wouldn’t have made it to where they are today. The cliché that sports are more than just a game, is absolutely true. For me this is about more than just helping kids play and learn about sports. It’s about helping kids to become the best people they can be. Its these kids who will grow up to be leaders of this country someday. I feel like it is my obligation to help these kids to honor all of those who had helped me when I was in these kid’s shoes.

So, here’s what I am asking you all to do: I want to raise at least $500 (the more the better!) to be able to donate to The First Tee organization. I’m not asking any of you to give more than are able. If you only have $1, $2, $5 or whatever it all goes towards the goal and no matter what will go to the kids we are trying to help. I would like to reach this goal in two weeks’ time and if we do, I will set a new one asap.

I want to thank you all in advance and don’t be afraid to pass this campaign along! The more people who are aware, the more I will be able to help these kids!