Raising children today comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to the rising costs of extracurricular activities like sports. From cleats and helmets to uniforms and protective gear, the expenses can quickly add up, often becoming a burden on families striving to provide their kids with opportunities to participate in athletics. Yet, the benefits of youth sports—teamwork, discipline, physical fitness—are undeniable. That’s where community initiatives, like the upcoming Sports Equipment Swap hosted by Southwest Health, comes into play.

This no-cost event, designed specifically for school-aged children, provides a valuable opportunity for families to exchange outgrown or unused sports equipment for items they need for the upcoming school year. It’s a simple but powerful way for the community to come together, ensuring that all students have the chance to fully participate in sports, regardless of financial constraints.

Scheduled for Saturday, August 17th, the event will be held in the back parking lot of Southwest Health, adjacent to the EDGE entrance. Participants can drop off their gently used equipment between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, with pick-up taking place from 12:00 to 2:00 PM. The swap is open to the public, and Southwest Health is encouraging parents and children to take part.

Credit: Canva Some of the best items to bring are lightly used cleats, and shorts, shirts, and socks, in the area schools' colors.
Credit: Canva
Some of the best items to bring are lightly used cleats, and shorts, shirts, and socks, in the area schools' colors.
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"We're excited to host this Sport Equipment Swap to support local families and promote sports participation among students. This event will help ensure that all kids are able to fully participate in their sport this school year."

-Brad Vamstad, Director of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Southwest Health 

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Events like these are more than just exchanges of goods; they’re exchanges of goodwill, fostering a sense of community support and inclusivity. Being heavily involved in sports in my own community, I know and have seen the impact simple steps like this can have on our local children.

Credit: Ashley Ehlers Tom Drake coaches youth soccer at Cascade, IA, September 2017.
Credit: Ashley Ehlers
Tom Drake coaches' youth soccer in Cascade, IA, September 2017.
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By participating, families not only lighten their own financial load but can also contribute to the greater good, helping other local children enjoy the full benefits of local sports. For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact Southwest Health via email at fassbinderk@southwesthealth.org or by phone at 608-342-0941.

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