I can easily say that I have taken more away from sport than I have contributed: self-confidence; strength; friends; the feeling of accomplishment; a life-long passion; the list is endless. I have even been fortunate enough to share my experience and insight with others. I loved coaching the 'newbie' swimmers for Team in Training, am inspired by the feedback from writing All Sorts of Sports and can see my personal imprint on the formation of Team IronMatt on behalf of The Matthew Larson Foundation.

The marriage of sports and giving back is certainly not unique to me, nor a new idea, but I'd like to share something with all of you athletic-minded Aunties that might allow you to share your love - or even “like” - of sport with not only the kids in your life, but kids in need.

You may be familiar with the National Football League’s PLAY 60 campaign, a grassroots health and fitness effort created by the NFL and several partners to encourage and motivate kids to be active for 60 minutes a day. The benefits of being a physically active kid go way past any field, court or rink, but sadly, there are many who don't know the power of play.
 
The NFL's PLAY 60 and USA Football have joined forces with sporting goods giant Sports Authority to create Pass the Good, and the good news is, they want and need you to join their team. Pass the Good is asking you to donate your outgrown football gear (cleats, pads, footballs, etc) and/or your new, outgrown, gently used, or even replaced NFL apparel to your local Sports Authority to benefit the kids in your community who may not have access to equipment or team wear. In return, Sports Authority will give you a $10 cash card. It's win-win - and that never happens in football!

And Aunties, you can take that cash card to buy some new gear for your next race or the next time you take your niece or nephew out skating, hiking or for a catch in the park.
 
Amy Shigo is a sports journalist.

Published: December 29, 2010