SAN DIEGO, CA (Dec. 3, 2020) – Legacy Laces, a local nonprofit dedicated to getting gear to kids who are sidelined from sports, was awarded a $10,000 grant by Qualcomm Foundation. The funds were given as part of the company’s annual employee pitch competition where Legacy Laces was one of 10 finalists selected from more than 70 non-profit organizations nominated by employees.
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. employee and Legacy Laces board member, Liz Philips, pitched “Operation Kick-It Kit,” a project designed to keep kids engaged with soccer at times when COVID-19 restrictions prevent them from accessing equipment through their schools, teams and after-school programs. Through Operation Kick-It, nearly 200 local kids in need will receive a kit with a ball, pump, solo soccer trainer belt and a sports bag.
“While Legacy Laces is known for providing cleats to kids, Operation Kick-It allows us to serve the community in a new way,” says Philips. “I’m grateful to Qualcomm for encouraging employees to create meaningful projects to support in the community.”
The distribution of the kits is supported by longtime Legacy Laces partner, San Diego Legion. Legion, one of the founding teams of Major League Rugby, is providing logistical support for a drive-through-pick-up event on Saturday, December 5 at the SD Legion headquarters in Carlsbad. Receiving organizations include Inter Tribal Sports, the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos, Monarch School, Young and Prosperous, and Los Angelitos de Encinitas.
“We know that many kids in our local community have been sidelined from team sports due to COVID-19 mandates,” says Jeanette Wood, Founder and Executive Director of Legacy Laces. “Some are no longer playing sports and others have been relegated to practicing a sport they love, alone. The Kick-It Kits are our way of giving kids the gear they need to stay healthy through exercise – now and in the future.”
ABOUT LEGACY LACES
Legacy Laces was founded to ensure there would be a way to bring excess, outgrown and/or unused gear to kids in need so they would have the opportunity to play team sports and benefit from all that athletics has to offer. For more information, please visit www.LegacyLaces.org.
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