PARENTING
CHANGE–POWERED BY SPORTS INTRODUCING SHAREWAVES
WRITTEN BY SHANNON E. ROESGEN / GRAPHIC PROVIDED BY SHAREWAVE
WHAT IS SHAREWAVES? ShareWaves is a 501(c)3 public charity delivering high quality sports experiences to kids in under-resourced communities. ShareWaves launched just three years ago, and serves children from under-resourced homes who experience many barriers to sports access and are less likely to receive the support they need. Bill Brandmeyer, founder and CEO of Sharewaves, explains that children in under-resourced communities have an overwhelming need for equitable physical activity, exercise, and high quality sports experiences. Multiple studies have shown that physical activity, exercise, and sports participation positively impact a child’s physical and mental health, including decreasing obesity, early heart disease, social isolation, anxiety, and depression.
40
|
SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE
|
MARCH 2022
ShareWaves website (sharewavesfoundation.org) says, “Without access to sports and structured play, kids miss critical developmental benefits, including physical health, social-emotional growth, and academic advancement.” BARRIERS SHAREWAVES HOPES TO BREAK DOWN ShareWaves emphasizes that kids are dropping out of sports at an alarming rate. 35-40 million children ages 4-14 participate in organized youth sports, but 70 percent of them drop out by age 13. This causes them to miss opportunities for socialization, character development, exercise, and fun. Cost is given as the primary barrier preventing kids from playing youth sports. One of ShareWaves’ goals is to provide GameChanger grants to children who need financial assis-
tance in order to play sports. THERE ARE RISING NUMBERS IN CHILDHOOD OBESITY AS WELL AS A SURGING MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS DUE TO THE PANDEMIC Children in Kansas City (and other cities) are experiencing isolation, separation, depression, disconnection, and loneliness. The safety restrictions imposed during the pandemic have been causing and exacerbating this problem. There is a rise in mental health problems reported among young people, including generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and intentional self-harm. Extended social isolation, educational uncertainty, and inactivity are causing a large amount of stress for young people. But physical activity, exercise, and sports are proven methods to help young people reconnect, heal, and thrive.
