Sport-SOS was established in 1994, with a group of youth athletes, friends, sports moms and sports dads, key business partners in North America and abroad. Our mission is to connect individual and corporate donors, for-profit business partners and professionals with youth athletes, sports teams and organizations. We coordinate turn-key co-op fundraisers. Our volunteers serve the specific fundraiser needs of youth athletes, teams, organizations, volunteers and key partners.
With some thirty years involvement in youth sports, I have learned that the fundraiser segment is under-served and has not been properly addressed. Due to rapidly escalating cost of youth sports and lack of time, it is hard to meet the fundraiser goals with candy sales and car washes. The fact is that youth sports organizations find it hard to get cash donations. While at the same time, individual donors and businesses have limited amount of cash for donations.
Families choose sports as a lifestyle - if they are fortunate to afford it. The kids learn about healthy lifestyle; daily exercise routine, balanced diet and how to be a team player. They reap the benefits of travel, learn about different people, cultures and countries. Kids act as 'youth ambassadors' contributing to the world peace and understanding through youth sports.
Too many families just simply can NOT afford the escalating cost of training, club fees, uniforms, travel and other expenses. Their kids are largely excluded from the possibilities to reach their full potential, especially during later years in their sports career. Talent is being wasted. They miss from the benefits that sports lifestyle offers today and later in life.
Time has become a commodity. Youth sports teams have to reach their fundraiser goals efficiently. Both athletes and parents have very limited time for fundraisers. Parents work, spend hours every day driving to sports practices, scrimmages, games and out-of-town sports tournaments during the weekends. Youth athletes are challenged to manage time between school, homework, sports, fundraiser events, frequent travel schedules, community service, social and personal interests.
While living in various communities in the USA and 15 countries abroad, as an athlete, a volunteer, a student, an executive producer of sports and specialty shows, a liaison between businesses and organizations, I have learned what a group of committed volunteers can do!
Today, new youth sports initiatives are being developed to open opportunities to all youth athletes in North America and around the world. We invite You to join us in insuring that our goals will become a reality. Every individual and corporate partner can help. We hope that you are determined to carry our message to your local community. So please, contact youth sports organizations today. Ask how you can help an athlete, team or organization --- or contact us and we will connect you direct with an athlete, coach, team or organization who has contacted us for help.
On behalf of all youth athletes - THANK YOU - for 'opening your door' to youth athletes in your own community and around the world!
Minna LeVine
Volunteer founder
Sport-SOS
