Last year, 388 teachers helped bring sports equipment, movement, and amazing experiences to their students with the help of ESPN’s half-off match offer. This year’s goal? Provide students with even more access to sports and sports equipment—starting today! ESPN is committed to giving all students access to the benefits of sports: physical and mental health, friendships, social skills, and the ability to work as a team. This follows in the footsteps of the work done by ESPN in conjunction with College Football Playoff's Extra Yard for Teachers campaign.Check out these all-star teachers who gave us four reasons why the ESPN offer mattered to their students last year:
A traveling team
When Mr. Gonzalez’s project, “Gooooooaaaaal!” was funded, he scored more than the requested soccer balls and goal for his first grade students. The unexpected trophy? His students became a team on the field and in the classroom. In his own words, “Teamwork has been a major focus on the field and I am beginning to see it show up in the classroom as well. My students are cheering each other on and helping each other fix mistakes without teasing or negative comments.”
Major win
Mrs. Belkadi’s elementary school students have reaped the benefits of the free time sports equipment she requested. She tells us that her project “Rescue Our Recess” has “promoted teamwork, good sportsmanship, and friendship. Students who normally do not socialize in the classroom are quick to join a group of children playing a game they like. The smiles on their faces is priceless! It is amazing to see how students of different cultures and abilities come together to play and have fun.”
Access for all
Ms. Grubbs saw the need for her special education students to have adapted physical education equipment. Thanks to ESPN’s match offer last year, her P.E. classes have new sports equipment at their fingertips! Footballs and soccer balls that have holes in them make it easier for her students to grip and throw! What a catch!
Making a mark
What do you do when you have students who are excited to be active and learn but don’t have enough equipment to meet their needs? You do what Mr. Gerard did and post a project for more sports equipment. He requested additional archery equipment so his students had more opportunities to participate. “Now there are ten shooting stations and the classes fly by for the teacher and students.”
Revved up? ESPN and DonorsChoose.org recognize sports as an effective and essential part of a complete education. Let the games begin and post a sports equipment project today! Check out more of last year’s inspiring projects to get started.
