“Sport and art are the two most universal languages we have. They enable us to express ourselves. physically, emotionally, and even intellectually, allowing us to connect and communicate with each other. around the world, crossing borders, cultures, languages, and generations.”
--Roald Bradstock, Olympic athlete
Ambassador for Youth Sport Trust
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In 2017, I founded A Ball Is All You Need (www.ABallIsAllYouNeed.com), a charitable organization that donates sports balls to underprivileged young athletes. Since inception, 562 balls were donated to kids from two organizations that I partnered with: The Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich and Backyard Sports Cares. A ball was always the best gift I received, and I wanted to share that joy. A ball filled so many hours, it was also my conduit to friends, and it was the means to normalcy when I had tough days.
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In the beginning, I was hesitant to meet the young athletes and distribute the balls in person. I didn’t want to be “That Guy”. However, the Boys and Girls Club Director suggested that I bring the balls. Every kid was so psyched, and each kid had a story. When I gave a soccer ball to one boy, his dad gave it back to me. He didn’t realize it was a gift. Once I explained, he teared up and I realized that the soccer ball was not just a gift, or entertainment, but it was hope for his son.
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This year, I have had my own struggle as I fought back from shoulder surgery. During this time, I took my first art history class. I loved the class, but more importantly realized the impact of art on ones’ feelings. It felt right to shift my personal philanthropic efforts from gathering balls to art packs. So many underprivileged kids are fighting hard through daily struggles, hopefully these art packs can bring each kid a little joy, lift a mood or offer an escape to dream.
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This year I am partnering with Art FEEDS. ArtFeeds.Org offers a treasure trove of social and emotional lessons, projects, and supplies. Besides art packs, artfeeds.org offers online lesson bundles using a certified art teacher and a creative arts therapist. The Self-love bundle helps young artists connect to themselves. The Art Journaling bundle teaches kids to journal with words but also colors and drawings. And the list goes on. See artfeeds.org for more information.
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Thank you for taking the time to read about Fresh StART and joining in this mission, Luke