life lessons: bravery

Ariana, age 5

“When my 5-year-old daughter Ariana first climbed aboard the Jungle Bus, I had no idea how much that brightly-colored, mobile gymnastics studio would come to mean to our family. What started as a fun weekly activity quickly turned into something so much more.

It became a place where Ariana discovered confidence, joy, and life lessons that stretched far beyond the mat. Ariana went from quietly observing to proudly showing off her balance beam walk and tumbling with determination.

One moment I’ll never forget was when she burst out of the Jungle Bus yelling, “Mommy, I did the monkey bars all by myself!” The joy on her face said it all. It wasn’t just a physical achievement. It was a huge boost to her self-esteem. She learned that being brave doesn’t mean not being scared—it means trying anyway.

Through gymnastics, Ariana has picked up more than just physical skills. She’s learned how to listen, take turns, cheer on her friends, and keep trying even when something is hard. She’s learning resilience, teamwork, and the pure magic of believing in herself. Sports don’t always happen in big arenas or with crowds cheering. Sometimes, they happen on a bus parked outside a preschool, where little kids like Ariana take their first steps toward becoming strong, confident, and fearless, inside and out.” 

– Ariana’s mom, Ariana

life lessons: teamwork

Devin, age 9

“Our biggest victory at flag football this year didn’t occur on the scoreboard. It happened after DJ pressured the opposing quarterback on a blitz, and the quarterback backpedaled and fell. The play was dead, but the angry quarterback got up and shoved DJ. I thought he would explode and retaliate, but DJ just walked off to the sideline as if nothing had happened. A fun, disciplined, and supportive sports environment are helping DJ overcome his “fight” response. Thank you for helping to make this possible!” 

– Devin’s mom, April

life lessons: determination

Zanyiah, age 4

breathing life: health

Landon, age 4

“Landen loves sports! He is not your typical 4 year old though. Landen has ADHD combined type, Auditory Processing Disorder and a speech delay. He works hard through the struggles of being a neurodivergent child in his everyday life. When he is on a sports field, that is his safe place. He loves the challenge that sports provide him and it is an area he can become hyper focused and really excel.”

– Landon’s mom, Melissa

“For Jasmine, baton twirling is more than a sport—it became a turning point in her physical development. After years of occupational therapy to strengthen her hands and fingers, it was the baton that sparked the most progress. What once caused frustration—writing, cutting, braiding—now comes easily.

Through movement, repetition, and performance, she’s gained strength, confidence, and joy. Sports give Jasmine the tools to thrive, both physically and emotionally!”

– Jasmine’s mom, Alison

breathing life: hope

Steven, age 7

“Youth sports have always been a positive outlet for my sons. As a single mother of 3 boys it’s hard to pay for healthy outlets like sports to teach them good qualities of life that will last a lifetime. This year was even more special because myself and my children lost everything, from our home on down due to an unfortunate experience of domestic violence and I choose safety over anything. Unfortunately once placed in a shelter/safe haven I was no longer able to afford sports and I feared taking the one good thing my son lives far away from him because somebody hurt me. It’s unfair but thanks to the Every Kid Sports Pass I was able to pay his registration to also hold his spot on the team for the fall. I still have a long road ahead but at least we still have the football field that brings my entire family peace to run too. There’s still a piece of light in our darkness and that means so much to me that he can still call football home during this trying time. I truly appreciate all you guys do for our children.”

– Steven’s mom, Chondell

breathing life: possibility

Starshine, age 12, Galaxy, age 10

“The Every Kid Sports Pass is so important to our family because without it my daughters wouldn’t be able to try out different sports. Each sport comes with a registration fee and on a low-income budget affording more than one sport is nearly impossible. Without Every Kid Sports my softball player would have never known she was also great at basketball and my dancer would never have known she loved ice skating. Thank you Every Kid Sports!!!”

– Starshie and Galaxy’s mom, Leah

breathing life: possibility

Tyrese, age 16

“My son has been working so hard to master a dance line drum major. Every Kids Sports has helped me keep him off the streets and doing something he loves to do. He has been working extremely hard to master his precision posture, and form so he can become a major in college. Thank you so much for helping me.”

– Tyrese’s dad, Brandon

breathing life: togetherness

Bentley, age 12

“Sports to my family is more than just something to kill time. Playing sports brings us together as a family. It gives our boys something to bond over, somewhere to make great friends, and something to look forward to! The help from every kid sports pass that we receive helps make all of our sporting events so enjoyable. The stress of paying for something our family loves so much is alleviated and we are so thankful for the help and opportunity to be a part of such a great program for the children!”

– Bentley’s mom, Heather