In 2024, a total of 242 million people played at least one sport in the United States. Sports are widespread and are a very important in the lives of many, as they are truly more than just games.
Sports not only provide participants with a hobby or a fun activity to relieve their stress and have a good time, but they connect communities. Anyone can make new friends, meet new people, and create lifelong bonds through sports.
Unfortunately, some sports are not available to everyone due to the need for equipment. On average, parents have to pay around $900 for each player, and this cost only continues to rise. Many families are unable to afford this equipment, and therefore are unable to reap the benefits that playing a sport can provide to an individual. Thankfully, the Play it Forward club at Hingham High School, founded by sophomores Liam Cusick and Rex Chen, aims to help solve this issue.
A branch of the Service Club, Play It Forward was created this fall with the aim of helping those who are less fortunate. Liam Cusick believes that, “As student athletes who enjoy playing sports, we are lucky to be able to play sports, and we want every kid to have that opportunity.” The club has taken that belief to heart and ran multiple fundraisers to try and raise funds and equipment. Club advisor Sarah Jacobson commented on their fundraisers, saying, “What’s been most impressive is how quickly Play It Forward turned an idea into real impact. Their first drive resulted in over $3,000 worth of donated equipment going to Communities for People, helping expand access to sports for under-resourced teens. This is a great example of students using their time and energy to make a meaningful difference.”
The club has done a great job with providing sports equipment to those who cannot afford it, and it is clear that the club’s members have benefited from the rewarding experience. Travis O’Neil, a sophomore club member, commented on this feeling, claiming that, “The Play It Forward club helps me connect with those who are not as fortunate as me and I get a great sense of pride whenever I do something for the club because I understand the benefits of helping people play sports.”
Play It Forward already has around twenty active members and is open to more. They plan to run several more donation drives in the future, as well as host a 3×3 basketball tournament as a fundraiser, offering STUCO points to those that take part.
Students can get involved by donating to the club’s fundraisers and raising awareness about the club itself. More information can be found on the club’s Google classroom, with the code 3jeqkb6m, and events will be advertised through flyers and be announced on the morning announcements.
Play It Forward has already made a major impact with their fundraisers and continues to do great things in both HHS and the community as a whole.
