You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. – Psalm 18:28
Students across the great state of Oklahoma are involved in sports of all kinds. Each year, students compete in football, basketball, softball, baseball, track, cross-country, volleyball, wrestling, soccer, tennis, dance, cheer, swimming, golf, and more. Sports allow students to develop the discipline needed to compete at a high level. Through athletic activities, students learn positive practices that will help them succeed for many years. Sports provide an opportunity for growth. Athletics can change a kid’s life.
Mark and Stacy McDaniel were big believers in youth sports. Their three children’s used equipment, including shoes, had been collected in the garage. Their children had outgrown the shoes, but they were still in great condition. Mark and Stacy wondered if they could find a way to share this with other kids who might need some help. Cleats for Kids (C4K) was born from a pile of used equipment in the dark corner of their garage and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others. It was in 2011 that the work began to develop relationships with schools and the community to provide the equipment that would help to ensure students would have the opportunity to participate in life-changing sports.
Tommy was a single father of two. Both his daughter and son had athletic talent. Tommy worked hard. His job provided a home and the necessities for his family, but he did not have extra money for expensive sports equipment. When Tommy was diagnosed with cancer, he knew he would need help. He wanted his children to have the best chance possible to succeed in sports and school. Tommy brought them to Cleats for Kids where both received the equipment they needed. They would be supported through school with new shoes, socks, and other needed equipment.
Tommy’s daughter would earn the opportunity to play basketball at the University of Oklahoma. His son would be offered the opportunity to play at the collegiate level but would choose military service. Their success in athletics is to be celebrated. Perhaps the real achievement is that Tommy’s children were the first in their family to graduate high school. His daughter is the first to attend college. This was made possible partly because of the positive experiences that sports brought to their lives. Through sports, coaches become mentors, and success on the field teaches students they can be successful in other parts of life. Cleats for Kids helps make this possible.
Since 2011, over 285,000 Oklahoma kids have received free shoes and equipment from Cleats for Kids. Just this year, 54,000 kids, from Idabel to Guymon, will have the chance to compete. By receiving these shoes and equipment, students who want to be involved will have the resources they need. Kids want to compete and be part of something special. Cleats for Kids is helping to kindle the passionate fire of athletics for students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to live out their dreams. C4K and St. Luke’s are bringing light and life to athletics and to the lives of students across our great state.
Cleats for Kids
