We all want our kids to play fair on the sports field.  How about playing “Fair Trade” as well?  Did you know that there is a sports equipment company called Fair Trade Sports that has launched a full line of Eco and Fair Trade Certified sports balls for soccer, football, basketball, and more?  This means that when this equipment is manufactured, adults workers are receiving fair wages in healthy working conditions.  Think of it as socially responsible sports balls!

Fair Trade Sports’ products have an additional cool factor with words like “RESPECT” printed on the equipment and apparel.  And, following in the footsteps of trailblazing companies like Newman’s Own, Fair Trade Sports donates all their after-tax profits to children’s charities.  Sounds like a team we want to be part of!

© YesKidzCan!, 2011

Summer’s here!  That means a lot of outdoor activities, sporting events, and warm-weather fun.  Amidst the swim meets and ball games, you can help your kids practice a different kind of good sportsmanship by making a difference in someone’s life.  Here are two easy things to consider:

• Donate sports equipment. During any one of your kids’ sporting events, ask them to bring gently used athletic equipment that can be donated to other kids who can’t afford them.   You can tap into our Good Sportsmanship Community Service Project Kit to find all the information you need to organize this effort including groups that accept these donations.
• Donate sports tickets. Can’t make it to a ball game?  Donate the tickets to your local hospital for kids who would benefit from a distraction from their health concerns.  Simply call the volunteer coordinator at your area hospital to see if they accept tickets.

These are just a few simple ways to have good fun this summer!

© YesKidzCan!, 2011