Our Mission

Developing, funding and activating youth sports programs around the world in order to empower children and youth, strengthen their communities and positively impact the future human relationships of the world

This summer, 1/3 of the world's population watched Italy take on France in the Finals of the World Cup. The world clearly loves sports. And, in many ways Americans have lost the idea of what is important about sports. It’s not about jumbotrons, jerseys, or million dollar contracts. It’s not even about winning. We believe that before money, power, or fame crept into the world of sports, it was good—very good. It's a path that can lead us to real life. Many who are looking for direction can finally find a sense of purpose, a place to meet new friends, and an opportunity to learn the important values of discipline, respect, teamwork, leadership, self confidence, communication, and sportsmanship without even realizing it.

Sports is the greatest avenue for us to love others by entering into people’s lives through something they enjoy. More than anything, it’s a place where the hopeless can find hope because they become part of a greater story going on in this world. We cradle the love of sports like a newborn baby, so gently and delicately as not to disturb such a beautiful creation. We only hope to use it for good.

This summer we saw thousands of people who loved soccer. Most of us have never been around people that truly loved something the way the Belizean adults and children love this game. Everywhere you go, they are playing soccer. They put sticks or concrete blocks on the ground between a patch of grass to create a field. Oven mitts are used for goalie gloves and kids share shoes to keep things fair. We saw kids at almost every corner playing soccer. And after work, the adults play too. They turn the lights on at night and the whole village comes out to watch their team play. Men who spend 12 hours of their day burning sugar cane come out. Villages play other villages and the whole community gathers to cheer them on. Sons play with fathers and the rest of the family watched from the sidelines. At the end of the night, it didn’t matter who won the game—just that they played. It’s the love that consumes them. It reminded us of everything that is right about sports.

Many parts of the world lack the simple organization and leadership necessary to start structures of play and recreation. With this lack of organization, dangerous and destructive paths are being formed that lead to drugs, alcohol and sex. We fight this by establishing a better alternative by improving and enhancing what they already enjoy… sports. We set up camps, coaching workshops and leagues where kids and adults can play and learn more about the game that they love. And while setting up these organized structures, we train local leaders to take over the programs. Immediate Goals: In the coming year, Sports Servants will be training and empowering youth leaders and coaches in Belize.

The Brace Shop is committed to The Belize Project.

If you would like to help us, please call toll free at 888-876-3668.

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