As we provide sports programming throughout the Flint community, one thing that we have heard is the lack of access to equipment needed for recreational activities. That is why we are really excited to announce that, with a $150,000 grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Flint residents will be able to borrow sports equipment from schools and community centers at no cost, beginning in March.
Over the last decade, we’ve been proud to provide sports and recreation opportunities for youth and adults. Now, thanks to the CS Mott Foundation, we’ll be able to expand our efforts to increase the tradition of sports and recreation that this community has become known for.
We will ask people at each of the schools and community centers about their interests and provide equipment that community members will be able to check out for casual pickup games, and will also supply leagues with equipment.
While the inventory will be customized to each site, equipment likely will include soccer balls and nets, footballs and flags for football, cones for use in a variety of sports, referee whistles, pickle balls and rackets, volleyballs and nets, basketballs, floor hockey equipment, and gymnastic mats.
“Through community conversations and surveys, residents have told us they want to increase access to recreational activities for people of all ages,” said Ridgway White, Mott Foundation president, and CEO. “We hope this grant will help Flint residents take part in activities they enjoy. We also hope it will provide more ways for people to play sports together across the community.”
Through our Community Education Initiative, we will be providing and maintaining the equipment at our 13 Flint area partnered schools as well as four community centers: Berston Field House, Flint Development Center, Latinx Technology and Community Center, and Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village.
Our Community Education Initiative currently includes the Crim Sports program, which aims to teach young students the fundamentals of a variety of sports, utilize sports-based youth development curriculum to develop leadership skills, and train coaches and athletes in mindfulness. The grant from the Mott Foundation will give us the opportunity to expand our existing work, collaborate with more sites to connect youth and adults to sports and physical activity opportunities, and support community-building in Flint.
We couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity and would like to thank the CS Mott Foundation for providing us with the resources to offer this equipment. If you would like more information about how to borrow the equipment or have thoughts on what you would like to see available, please contact Sharon Davenport at 810-600-5817.
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