Out of all the students living in Memphis, 40% live in poverty and lack academic and athletic opportunities. Give901 wants to change that.
Mission: School Sports is a fundraising campaign led by Give901, aimed at raising money to support the athletic programs at three schools in Memphis: Grizzlies Prep, Collegiate School of Memphis, and Soulsville Charter School. These schools have proven to help kids succeed academically, but they also need support when it comes to athletics.
Give901 believes all students should have access to the many benefits of school sports, regardless of zip code. School sports have a lasting impact on students, teaching them to collaborate, compete, and lead. Research has proven that participation in school sports leads to higher graduation rates, better test performance, higher grades, a higher likelihood for college enrollment, and overall positive health.
Unfortunately, the high cost of quality sports programs can limit their availability in low-income communities, and the schools are often underfunded. Fees, equipment, and travel costs leave many kids on the sidelines. Give901 is determined to make a difference.
Kristen Davis, Strategic Partnerships Director at Give901, is passionate about helping the future leaders of Memphis develop the skills they need to win.
“School sports teach young people so much more than how to play a game,” Kristen explains. “I was fortunate to learn teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, determination, and much more from school sports. Coaches act as mentors to their players, and interactions with teammates and opponents teach skills transferable to every profession.”
She’s excited about the three schools that Give901 is asking Memphians to support with Mission: School Sports, noting they have great coaches and big plans.
“They need your help so that every student who wants to play has access to school sports,” Kristen says. “These schools serve young people from some of the poorest zip codes in the country and are coaching them to play golf, swim, and be state champion basketball players.”
Local sports stars such as Elliot Perry, retired NBA player, and current Memphis Tigers basketball players Alex Lomax and Malcolm Dandridge are helping spread the good news of this campaign. In addition, Give901 is hosting “fitness fundraisers” with several local fitness studios like Hot Yoga Plus, Mind/Body HAUS, and Elite Fitness Health & Wellness Facility.
Are you looking to get involved with Mission: School Sports? Follow along with @Give901 on Instagram to stay up to date on all fitness fundraisers. You can also scan the QR code below or visit tinyurl.com/ dreamteamfan to donate today.
A gift of $50, $100, $250, or $500 to Mission: School Sports can help students join their own dream teams– their school teams.
By Lucy Modzelewski
