ShareWaves

Addressing the Youth Sports Crisis: A Call for Change The challenges today’s youth face are deeply intertwined, creating a complex crisis that impacts their overall development. The “pay-for-play” system creates financial barriers and limits access to organized sports for under-resourced families, leaving many kids unable to experience sports' physical and social benefits. Combined with a “win-at-all-costs” mentality, this approach often shifts focus from skill-building, teamwork, and personal growth to pure performance metrics, leading to burnout and pushing young athletes away from what could be transformative experiences. At ShareWaves, we advocate for a balanced approach to youth sports that emphasizes inclusivity, skill development, and personal growth over competitive outcomes. Our #Ready2Play Camps and Clinics exemplify how sports can connect, inspire, and build character in young people by providing accessible, high-quality experiences that encourage lifelong healthy habits. Youth sports should be a vehicle for building resilience, leadership, and a sense of community, ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow, regardless of their background or financial resources. Our Strategies for Change: * Removing Cost Barriers: Providing targeted micro-grants to children who cannot afford sports participation. * Supporting High-Quality Programs: Delivering group-based physical education and sports training to children in marginalized communities. * Equipping Caregivers: Training coaches, teachers, and parents with essential social and emotional skills for holistic child development. Additionally, we are excited to launch the Kansas City Play Equity Coalition, a collaborative effort to unite schools, nonprofits, community organizations, healthcare providers, and local government to promote equitable sports access. Our boots-on-the-ground mentality ensures that #Ready2Play camps and clinics provide movement opportunities where children live, effectively removing transportation as a barrier. At ShareWaves, sports participation is vital for children's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. As a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to providing high-quality sports experiences, we strive to eliminate barriers that prevent kids from engaging in sports and foster their holistic development. Join us in our mission to harness the power of sports to build better humans and address the youth development and mental health crisis. Learn more about our initiatives and how you can support us: https://lnkd.in/g_Z_r_WH #ShareWaves #YouthSports #CommunityImpact #MentalHealth #PlayEquityCoalition #KansasCity #BuildBetterHumans #Inclusivity #SkillDevelopment

THE BLASTERS 2024: An Unforgettable Night of Joy and Impact! Check out the highlights from THE BLASTERS 2024 in our latest video. We hosted over 200+ amazing children from across Kansas City at #THEBLASTERS2024 event, and it was an absolute BLAST! From beginning to end, it was nothing but fun. From golf instruction to electrifying performances by Bill Self and his #1 ranked basketball team, every moment was filled with excitement and joy. Thanks to the phenomenal support from our community and generous donors, we proudly raised $130K! This money is already being put to work, fueling our three key strategies to tackle the systemic barriers children face in accessing youth sports: 1. Removing Cost Barriers: Providing targeted microgrants so every child can participate without financial limitations. 2. Supporting High-Quality Programs: Delivering top-notch sports training and physical education to marginalized communities. 3. Equipping Caregivers: Training coaches, teachers, and parents with essential social and emotional skills to foster holistic child development. But the excitement doesn't stop there—we are thrilled to announce the Kansas City Play Equity Coalition launch! ???? This coalition is a game-changer, uniting schools, nonprofits, community organizations, healthcare providers, and local government to promote equitable sports access. Our mission is to change the game for thousands of kids in KC, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive through sports and physical activity. Thank you to everyone who made the night magical and our partners who support our mission to build better humans through sports. Together, we’re making a HUGE impact! #ShareWaves #THEBLASTERS2024 #YouthSports #CommunityImpact #KansasCity #PlayEquityCoalition #BuildBetterHumans #SportsForAll #EconomicMobility #HolisticDevelopment

Embracing Insights from Project Play’s 2024 State of Play Report I’m excited to share key insights from the Aspen Institute Sports & Society Project Play 2024 State of Play Report, which examines current trends in youth sports and how we can better support young athletes. Key Highlights: * Increased Focus on Inclusivity: The report emphasizes the growing importance of making sports accessible to all children, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or physical ability. * Holistic Development: There's a strong trend towards using sports for holistic youth development, addressing physical health, social-emotional well-being, and academic performance. * Community Engagement: Effective sports programs increasingly partner with local organizations to build stronger, healthier communities through collaborative efforts. * Mental Health Awareness: The link between physical activity and mental health is increasingly recognized, with programs incorporating mental wellness support. * Technology Integration: Innovative technology boosts training and accessibility in youth sports, making it easier for children to participate and succeed. At ShareWaves, we are committed to aligning our efforts with the best practices highlighted in the report. Here’s how we’re leaning into these insights to amplify our impact: * Commitment to Inclusivity: Our #GameChanging Grants remove financial barriers so every child can access quality sports experiences. * Holistic Youth Development: Our #Ready2Play Camps and Clinics focus on athletic skills and emphasize teamwork, leadership, and personal growth, fostering well-rounded individuals. * Strengthening Community Partnerships: We are building a network that supports and uplifts our youth by collaborating with local organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City and leveraging initiatives like the Kansas City Play Equity Coalition. * Promoting Mental Health: Our Movement is the Medicine Podcast. Our campaign emphasizes the vital link between sports participation and mental well-being, advocating for support systems for young athletes. * Embracing Technology: We are excited to explore partnerships with innovative companies like Garmin and Tonya Williams to integrate advanced technologies that enhance training and engagement for our participants. As we move forward into 2025, we remain dedicated to creating a positive and lasting impact on the lives of Kansas City’s youth. Together with our partners, supporters, and community members, we are building a future where every child can thrive through the power of sports. Thank you to the?Aspen Institute?for this invaluable report and all our partners who share our vision of empowering young athletes. Let’s continue to work together to build better humans through sports! ??????? #ShareWaves #ProjectPlay2024 #YouthSports #CommunityImpact #Inclusivity #MentalHealth #HolisticDevelopment #KansasCity #BuildBetterHumans #SportsForAll

At ShareWaves, we believe in the power of sports to change lives, and #THEBLASTERS2024 was a shining example of that mission in action! We were thrilled to host over 200 kids from impactful organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, Youth Ambassadors, Inc., Full Throttle Fitness, and more for an incredible day of inspiration, learning, and fun. These young participants enjoyed 3 hours of one-on-one golf instruction, shared meals, and a genuinely unforgettable meet-and-greet with Head Coach Bill Self and his #1-ranked Kansas Jayhawk Basketball team. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that reminded us why we do what we do. In the evening, we celebrated with Coach Self, his team, our amazing sponsors, supporters, friends, and family at the 5th annual Battle of the Bays. It was a night of connection, community, and commitment to making a difference. A huge thank you to our supporters: RubinBrown LLP Mariner Rally House Aristocrat Motors BOK Financial KC Hopps Ltd. Cure of Ars Church Your support fuels our mission to break down barriers and create opportunities for every child in Kansas City to experience the life-changing benefits of sports. Together, we’re building better futures and stronger communities. Here’s to many more events and our incredible impact together! #ShareWaves #TheBlasters2024 #YouthEmpowerment #KansasCity #CommunityImpact #BuildingBetterHumans

THE BLASTERS 2024 Silent Auction is Now Open – Start Bidding Today! We’re excited to announce that the silent auction for THE BLASTERS 2024 is officially open! ?? Now’s your chance to start bidding on some fantastic items while supporting ShareWaves and helping us provide life-changing sports experiences for kids in Kansas City. Here are just a few of the incredible items up for bid: * Salvador Perez Signed Bat – Elevate your sports memorabilia collection with this authentic bat, signed by Kansas City legend and multi-time All-Star Salvador Perez. ? * Exclusive Golf Day at Oakwood Country Club – Gather your friends for 18 holes at the prestigious, private Oakwood Country Club, with lush fairways and scenic views for a first-class outing. ???♂? * 6 VIP Tickets to Enchant Christmas – Enjoy a magical holiday experience at Legends Outlets Kansas City with access to the light maze, ice skating trail, and more! ??? And there’s plenty more to explore in the auction! ?? Start bidding now: https://lnkd.in/gH5saVdz Your participation in the auction will help us raise vital funds to support youth sports participation and development. Happy bidding, and we can’t wait to see you at THE BLASTERS 2024! Thank you for your generosity!

?? NEW Interview Alert! ?? We’re excited to share our latest interview with University of Kansas Head Basketball Coach and Hall of Famer Bill Self as we gear up for our signature fundraiser, THE BLASTERS 2024 – The Battle of the Bays! ???? Coach Self sits down with us to discuss why he’s passionate about supporting ShareWaves and our incredible work to provide kids with access to high-quality sports experiences. We dive deep into how sports can change lives, the importance of giving back, and why this event is crucial for Kansas City youth. ?? Watch the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/ga7FbrfV Event Details: ?? Date: October 13th, 2024 ?? Location: Topgolf, Overland Park ? Time: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM Why Attend THE BLASTERS 2024? ?? Blasters Kids Zone: Over 300 kids will enjoy free golf lessons, games, and activities. ?? Celebrity Swing VIP Pre-Party: Meet Coach Bill Self, mingle with KU basketball legends and enjoy an exclusive Q&A session. ?? Battle of the Bays Topgolf Competition: A fun night of friendly competition with prizes and live leaderboards! By attending THE BLASTERS 2024, you’re helping us break down barriers to sports participation and provide life-changing opportunities for under-resourced children in Kansas City. Your support ensures that every child can thrive through the power of sports. ???♂???? ??? Join us: https://lnkd.in/g3TkSCEC ?? Interested in sponsoring? Explore opportunities: https://lnkd.in/gSVAqUes Let’s make an impact together! Every ticket and sponsorship goes directly toward helping kids grow, learn, and succeed through sports. ?? #YouthSports #KansasCity #BillSelf #KU #THEBLASTERS2024 #GivingBack #CommunityImpact #ShareWaves #TopGolf #Fundraiser #SportsForGood #KidsFirst

A GAME-CHANGING EVENT FOR KANSAS CITY YOUTH OUR 5TH ANNUAL SIGNATURE FUNDRAISING Join The University of Kansas Head Basketball Coach Bill Self for this oh-so-untypical charity golf tournament. Sunday, October 13th, 2024, at TopGolf in OP. Buy Tickets Now Before its TOO LATE!!! https://lnkd.in/gW3W8ggj ABOUT THE BLASTERS Our 5th annual signature fundraiser is a family-friendly, one-of-a-kind golf event.?We get started by inviting over 300 kids to the party we call the?BLASTERS KIDS ZONE.?This unique kick-off party is our way of celebrating our partner organizations and the kids they serve.?This year, we are hosting a?"Celebrity Swing" VIP Pre-Party!?An exclusive event includes a meet-and-greet cocktail party, a live Q&A with Coach Self led by Brian Hanni, the?Voice of the Jayhawks, and early access to our one-of-a-kind silent auction.?This event concludes with?“The Battle of the Bays,?a target golf competition unlike any other, where our special guests and sponsors will battle for the?BLASTERS?Championship. ITS GONNA BE A BLAST!

?? Exciting News from ShareWaves! ?? We're thrilled to announce the launch of our very first ShareWaves Newsletter! This edition has updates and stories showcasing how we make a difference in young lives through sports. ?? Read about our latest initiatives, success stories, and how you can get involved in fostering a community where every child has the chance to thrive. Take advantage of future updates! ?? Sign up at the bottom of our home page to stay informed: https://lnkd.in/eURRsMk Let's build better humans together through the transformative power of sports! #ShareWaves #YouthSports #CommunityImpact #Subscribe

Big News from ShareWaves! We are thrilled to share the release of the “State of Play Kansas City,” our 14th community report, a significant achievement in partnership with Children's Mercy Kansas City, orchestrated by the Aspen Institute’s Project Play initiative. In 2023, ShareWaves was honored as a Project Play Champion, recognizing our efforts to transform children's health through sports. This report reflects our continued commitment to enhancing youth sports accessibility and quality in the Kansas City region. The report delves into our youth's opportunities and challenges in accessing sports and physical activity. It provides a roadmap for empowering every child in our community to thrive through sports. Explore the findings and join us in driving positive change: https://lnkd.in/gQjwe2sG Together, we can build a healthier, more active future for all kids. #StateOfPlayKC #YouthSports #PhysicalActivity #CommunityHealth #ProjectPlayChampion #ShareWaves

We need your support to tackle the adolescent mental health crisis through the power of sports! Today’s youth are facing unprecedented challenges: rising rates of anxiety, depression, and physical inactivity, all compounded by social media pressure and a lack of supportive outlets. At ShareWaves, we are committed to addressing these issues head-on by providing critical resources that foster young people's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Through programs like GameChanging Grants, Ready-2-Play Camps, and our Movement is the Medicine campaign, we are working to eliminate barriers to sports participation, provide holistic development opportunities, and empower the next generation to build lifelong healthy habits. We focus on under-resourced children who often face financial barriers and limited access to recreational opportunities. With your help, we can bring high-quality sports experiences to those who need them most, providing physical fitness, mentorship, community, and emotional support. Your support can make a measurable, lasting impact. By investing in our mission, you’re helping us change the lives of hundreds of kids, fostering resilience, and building a healthier, stronger community. Join us in this important work. Together, we can create a brighter future for the next generation. #MentalHealthMatters #SupportYouth #BuildBetterHumans #SportsForGood #ShareWaves #CommunityImpact #YouthDevelopment