Children Around the World Have Limited Access to Sports.
6x More Likely
Low income kids are 6 times more likely to quit sports due to costs, often due to barriers like equipment costs.
90,000 tons
Every year, there is an estimated 90,000 tons of sports equipment that goes wasted.
Over 37%
of young people are playing less sport due to the cost-of-living crisis.
23 Million
kids between 6 and 17 did not play sports while 26.8 million kids participated in some form of sports, a decrease from previous years.
Underdevelopment of Sports
In developing countries, lower investment in sport decreases the potential for athletes to build their talent.
“Sport can play a role in improving the lives of not only individuals, I might add, but whole communities. I am convinced that the time is right to build on that understanding, to encourage governments, development agencies and communities to think how sport can be included more systematically in the plans to help children, particularly those living in the midst of poverty, disease and conflict.”
-Olympic Roundtable Forum, Salt Lake City Olympic Games 2002
THE ISSUE AT HAND.
Access to sports is a privilege that many children around the world do not have. In underprivileged communities, the cost of sports equipment can be a major barrier, preventing kids from participating in activities that promote physical health, build social skills, and teach valuable life lessons.
Every year, millions of children miss out on the opportunity to play sports simply because they cannot afford the necessary gear. This lack of access creates a significant divide, limiting their potential and depriving them of the benefits of teamwork, discipline, and self-confidence that sports provide.
At Gear 4 Goals, we aim to address this issue by making sports more accessible to all children, regardless of their financial background.
