At Playfinity, we strive every day to inspire the youngest generations to get off the couch, embrace active lifestyles, and engage in sports. However, we also recognize that today's kids live, breathe, and thrive in a world immersed in technology. That's why our journey revolves around engaging them in physical activity through the language they know best: gaming and technology.
With our core principles aligning so seamlessly, it's evident that our paths were meant to intertwine. We are truly happy to announce this partnership with such a kindred organization, Mudsock Youth Athletics (MYA).
Since its inception in 1987, MYA has been more than a youth sports organization; it's been a cornerstone of the community. Founded by a group of volunteers with a vision for youth sports, MYA's mission has transcended time. Starting from humble beginnings in a small, bedroom community to the vibrant Fishers of today, MYA has been unwavering in its dedication to providing recreational and competitive team sports opportunities that promote character development, leadership, and physical fitness.
As an exemplary organization committed to ‘free play,’ they installed free play equipment boxes (think of the little free library concept) in some of Fishers’ largest parks and green spaces. The idea was to provide families access to equipment like footballs, soccer balls and kickballs, that they did not have on their own or had forgotten at home. Fantastic idea! The concept was simple: use it and return it once you finish playing. “In the summer of 2023, we expanded our free play mentality by providing a free summer activity kit to the families who receive free or reduced lunch from our school district,” said Beth Lawrence, Assistant Director of MYA. The kit included a 10” rubber ball, jump rope, cones, chalk and a booklet full of fun activities to encourage the kids to stay active throughout the summer break.
As some of the biggest supporters of the youth in their community, their mission and their duty (as they say) are to inspire as many kids to lead active lives as possible.
Spilman emphasizes “Youth athletics provides countless life lessons and can make a significant impact on the overall development of a child.”
This profoundly resonates with Playfinity, as we believe in the transformative power of active play and sports for kids and youth to grow healthier and happier.
Through this collaboration, we'll provide MYA with our active games designed to encourage active play among children and youth by blending technology and gaming with sports.
With inactivity on the rise and kids dropping out of sports at an early age, we believe our active games will be a great addition to support MYA's commitment to youth athletics in the Fishers community.
Together, we aim to make a bigger impact on the younger generations by encouraging them to enjoy the benefits of active play and sports, fostering not just healthier bodies but also happier minds.
“We’re excited to partner with Playfinity and continue our commitment to providing free play initiatives in our community,” says Spillman. “Playfinity provides our families with another way to engage in athletic activity outside of our traditional team sport structure. We know our players will love participating in the in-app games with their teams and in the backyard.”
We are sure the future holds boundless possibilities for this collaboration. Let's keep the play rolling and the active fun going strong together!
Follow @MudsockYouthAthletics on FB and @MudsockYouth on , X and IG to check out all their fantastic activities!
]]>Together, we want to help these superheroes learn, thrive, and have the best chances at personal development! So we are committed to donating 10% to 20% of all purchases made through RTP Canada's website or when using the following codes on ours:
Curious to know more? Join us as we delve into the story behind this partnership and the incredible work of RTP Canada in transforming lives through play. We had an inspiring talk with Allison, Manager, Communications and Marketing at RTP Canada.
Allison, tell us a bit about the history of RTP Canada and how it’s been empowering children through the transformative power of play.
Right To Play is a global organization that protects, educates, and empowers children to rise above adversity. We work with children in some of the most difficult places on earth, helping them to stay in school and graduate, to resist exploitation, and overcome prejudice, to prevent disease, and to heal from war and abuse.
We reach millions of children each year in 15 countries around the world. By collaborating with teachers, governments, communities, and parents, we help children unlock their potential, enabling them to make positive and healthy choices and create better futures for themselves, their families, and their societies.
Promoting youth activity and play is clearly central to RTP Canada's mission. How does this align with RTP's global vision, and what unique impact does it have on the communities you serve?
Promoting youth activity and play has been vital to RTP as an organization as it has been ingrained since its founding in 1994 by the Norwegian Olympic athlete Johann Olav Koss.
For more than 20 years, we have delivered programs with impact in both development and humanitarian contexts. As pioneers in a unique approach to learning, both inside and outside the classroom, we harness play, one of the most fundamental forces in a child’s life, to help children dismantle barriers and embrace opportunities. We are the only global development organization focused exclusively on using the power of play to transform children’s lives.
At RTP Canada, we fundraise money for programs that help children globally as well as the Indigenous populations in Canada who face many hardships. By providing these children with the opportunities they deserve, they can discover new passions, enjoy being a kid, and empower themselves to stand up for themselves, their families and communities.
As we see, RTP Canada's programs reach both globally and within indigenous communities in Canada, addressing a diverse range of challenges. Can you share a specific success story or initiative that exemplifies the impact of your work, especially within the context of Indigenous populations?
Sure! I will highlight one story about an indigenous youth in the PLAY program. The PLAY program was launched in 2010 with its main goal to increase employability and improve educational outcomes, peer relationships, and physical and mental health among Indigenous children and youth in Canada. One of the events held in 2022 through the PLAY Program was a 3-day hockey clinic hosted by MLSE and Right To Play. During that clinic, Indigenous youth could learn new hockey skills and bond with other members of the community.
Rose, an 8-year-old girl from a close-knit community in northwestern Ontario, was initially shy and nervous but quickly made friends through various activities like typing, cooking classes, and origami. With the support of the program's youth worker, Caleb, Rose's personality began to blossom, and she became more outgoing, leading activities and helping with cleanup. In December 2022, she attended a hockey clinic hosted by MLSE and Right To Play, where she showed bravery by improving her skills on the ice and caring for her friends. Today, with numerous friends in the program, Rose aspires to become an elementary school teacher in the future. You can read more about Rose here.
It's inspiring to see the Canadian branch of RTP and us coming together to empower children through play. What motivated RTP Canada to embark on this partnership, and how do you envision it supporting your mission?
Right To Play is super excited to have a cause marketing partnership with Playfinity as we strive towards the same goal; to see kids empowered and able to learn and grow through the power of play. Both organizations are play-oriented and believe in the power of play to transform lives. In addition, it will be very beneficial for RTP to get some fresh ideas and new perspectives on how to increase our reach and impact.
As O. Fred Donaldson said, “Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play, children learn how to learn.” This powerful quote holds significant power when explaining this collaboration between two play-based organizations. We have come together for this initiative over a common goal and aim to make a great impact on kids and youth.
As we wrap up our conversation, Allison, we're also interested in hearing about any upcoming events, campaigns, or initiatives RTP Canada is preparing. Is there something exciting on the horizon?
Certainly, as we look ahead, one exciting highlight is RTP Canada's Biggest event, the Heroes Gala, scheduled for September 27 in Toronto. This gala unites corporates from across Canada, who generously sponsor tables and enthusiastically attend. The Gala also serves as a platform to celebrate three remarkable heroes: a corporate hero, an athlete hero, and an indigenous hero within the community. And here's an extra nugget of excitement: we'll have a Playfinity station featuring some of your active games to add an interactive and enjoyable element to the evening.
In addition to the Gala, RTP Canada is gearing up for two other fantastic fall events. We're collaborating on an October gran fondo bike race with the Playmakers, and we're thrilled to announce that the Toronto waterfront marathon has chosen RTP as its official charity recipient in 2023.
RTP Canada helps support global efforts across 15 countries, including over 70 indigenous communities in Canada, including in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. So if you want to support this great cause, purchase a Playfinity Active Game on RTP Canada's or our website using the codes PLAYCAN10 or PLAYCAN20.
You can help transform a kid’s life while giving the kids in your life endless hours of active fun!
If you want to learn more and support this amazing cause, visit them at www.righttoplay.ca.
We are excited to start this PLAY-tastic journey together!
]]>This alliance with our Norwegian fellows aims to harness play's transformative potential for children facing challenges. Together, our dedication is to create positive impacts in the lives of marginalized youth.
Our commitment goes beyond words. For every purchase made through RTP Norway's website or on ours using the following codes we will donate 10% to 20% of the total purchase price.
These codes represent our commitment to contribute to this important cause, ensuring children's learning, growth, and development.
Now, let's dive into our conversation with Vilgunn Kronstad, Partnership Manager at RTP Norway, to unveil the depth of their mission and the shared aspirations that unite our organizations.
Vilgunn, could you give us an overview of RTP Norway’s mission, vision, and a brief history? How does RTP aim to empower children through the transformative power of play?
RTP Norway shares the global mission and vision of Right To Play. Our focus is to utilize play as a tool to protect, educate, and empower children and youth, helping them overcome the challenges posed by poverty, conflict, and disease. Through collaborative efforts with partners, we implement play programs in communities facing disadvantages. By incorporating sports and play into learning, our goal is to promote social inclusion, enhance life skills, and improve the overall well-being of children.
The role of youth activity and play is evident, but could you elaborate on why it's crucial for RTP Norway? How does empowering children and youth through play align with your perspective?
Promoting youth activity and play is at the core of what we do. We recognize play's transformative power in shaping children's lives. Beyond personal growth, it's about fostering resilience in communities. By involving children in sports and play, we not only nurture self-confidence and leadership skills but also create an environment for healing and building resilience, particularly in challenging situations.
It's truly inspiring how play instills such qualities, and it absolutely resonates deeply with us! What's on the map for the future?
Our aim is to reach more and more communities and scale our programs. Collaborating with local partners, governments, and stakeholders is key. Our approach aligns with other Right To Play entities, and we're united in working towards a common goal.
We’d love to hear some success stories or initiatives that hold a special place for Right To Play Norway! Stories that highlight resilience and growth, perhaps?
There are numerous stories that hold a special place in our hearts, but one of the most heartwarming and impactful is the journey of Madiha. She embodies the essence of what we aim to achieve through our programs at Right To Play Norway.
Madiha, a 22-year-old from Thatta, Pakistan, has been a symbol of transformation and empowerment for girls in her conservative community. In a society where girls are often confined within traditional boundaries, she stood firm against societal norms. She introduced a football program that offered girls a rare opportunity to come together, play, and celebrate in public. Growing up in Thatta, where access to education for girls is limited, her father's encouragement allowed her to attend school and ignited her love for football. When a Right To Play football program was introduced in her town, Madiha's reluctance turned into passion, leading her to become a Junior Leader, guiding and inspiring other girls.
Her journey was fraught with challenges. In a community where girls' involvement in sports was unheard of, she faced skepticism and threats from within her own community, even her own family. Undeterred, she persisted, determined to create opportunities for girls to excel. Her dedication paid off as the threats gradually subsided, parents began to support their daughters' participation, and Madiha founded six girls' football teams. Her resilience and strength not only shattered stereotypes but also made her a role model for girls in her town.
Madiha's impact extended beyond the football field. She joined the Roshan Rastay program, using sports and play to reintegrate out-of-school children and instill life skills like confidence. Her ambition truly knows no bounds – she envisions establishing the first girls' football club in the history of Thatta, a free academy where girls can learn and thrive. Through her unwavering determination, Madiha is rewriting the narrative for girls in her community, empowering them to embrace their potential and stand strong against adversity. We can’t be more proud!
You can read more about Madiha here!
What an amazing inspiration! Thanks for sharing her journey with us. Alongside these remarkable stories, collaboration and support play a pivotal role. How have these aspects contributed to overcoming challenges and extending Right To Play Norway's reach?
Collaboration with partners and support from donors are game-changers. Partnering with local organizations and communities enables effective program implementation. Corporate, foundation, and individual support magnifies our impact, expands reach, and raises awareness about play and children's rights.
The strength of collective effort is clearly evident here. Vilgunn, what motivated Right To Play Norway to partner with Playfinity?
Playfinity and Right To Play share a mutual understanding of play's life-changing potential for children, families, and communities. We're thrilled to have Playfinity onboard, supporting our mission to empower children through the power of play.
And you? Ready to join us in making a meaningful impact? You can do so by purchasing a Playfinity product on RTP Norway’s website or ours, using the codes PLAYNOR10 or PLAYNOR20. It will bring the fun of active play to the children in your life while also contributing to transforming the lives of those who are more underserved.
If you want to learn more and support this great cause, visit them at www.rightoplay.no.
Together, we strive to create a world where children not only dream but also flourish through the universal language of PLAY!
]]>In this article, we tell you the importance of physical activity for kids and give you tips for motivating and inspiring them to be more active!
The transition from hours of sports to hours of screens is a phenomenon that many of us have observed in the youth in our lives. It seems that the rise of technology has created a shift in how kids and young people spend their leisure time. Where once they may have spent hours outdoors engaging in physical activities and team sports, they now seem to be more drawn to the digital world, spending hours in front of screens playing video games or scrolling through social media.
Physical activity and free play is critical for maintaining good health, both physically and mentally, so this shift in kids behavior is concerning, and action is needed.
It's essential for kids to be active (from moderate to vigorous physical activity) regularly to develop into healthy adults while reaping countless benefits from physical exercise. Some of these benefits are:
- Regular exercise reduces the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.So, it's crystal clear that keeping your kids active is one of the best things you can do for their physical and mental health, and happiness!
Getting kids interested in physical activity can be a challenge if it feels like a chore. That's why it's important to find out what activities they already enjoy. By doing this, you can make exercise feel less like a chore and more like a fun game.
Gamifying exercise can also be a great way to make it fun. Here are a few ideas:
Encourage your kids to try new sports and activities.
With screen-based social activities being the norm for kids, it's easy to get lost in the world of instant gratification. While screen time can be a valuable source of learning, entertainment, and earning opportunities, it can also consume too much time. Before you know it, your child may have no time for anything else!
That's why it's important to make sure that your kid has the necessary sports gear within their reach, like bikes, balls or skipping ropes, and a safe space to play and be active.
A very innovative and super enjoyable way to turn screen time into active fun are the Playfinity games, which are an excellent way to engage kids in physical activities while also incorporating what they love: screens. Playfinity Active Gaming strikes a perfect balance between video game elements and actual physical play, making it a popular choice among kids aged 6 to 14. It's a fun and engaging way for kids to stay active and healthy while enjoying the technology.
4. INCLUDE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTO DAILY ROUTINE
Incorporating exercise into your kids' daily routines is as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, biking, walking or running instead of driving short distances.
A quick dance number before meals, a ten-minute walk around the block after dinner, or jumping jacks during commercials can all be subtle ways to encourage physical movement. Doing these activities together is also a great way to bond with your kiddo and make some unforgettable memories that they'll cherish as they grow up.
5. ENCOURAGE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
One of the best ways to keep your kids active is to encourage them to play outside. Whether it's playing ball, riding bikes, jumping on a trampoline or just running around, outdoor play is a fun way to get exercise and fresh air.
Plan outdoor activities with friends or family members - sports like baseball or soccer/football are great ways for kids to get outdoor exercise while having fun at the same time! If they enjoy group activities, think about arranging a weekly game day in someone's backyard where everyone can play together and socialize. You might also want to consider enrolling your child in an organized sports league; these often have games scheduled throughout the year so there will always be something new coming up soon enough!
6. SET A GOOD EXAMPLE
As a parent, you play a crucial role in shaping your child's habits and lifestyle, and one of the most effective ways to encourage a physically active lifestyle is by leading by example. Kids learn by observing, and if they see you leading an active lifestyle, they are more likely to follow suit. And the best part? Engaging in physical activities together as a family can be such a great bonding experience!
There are many ways you can model healthy habits for your kid. You could go for hikes as a family, join a sports league together, or participate in physical activities your kid enjoys, like swimming, dance, or playing ball. Whatever you choose to do, remember that leading by example is one of the most effective ways to instill healthy habits in your children.
Playfinity games provide an excellent opportunity for both parents and kids to get active together. These games are not only fun for kids to play alone or with friends, but they also offer an engaging way for families to bond while being physically active. And by modeling healthy habits for your kids, you encourage them to develop a lifelong love of physical activity.
7. REWARD YOUR KID'S PROGRESS
Celebrate their progress as they engage in physical activities, and let them know how proud you are of their efforts. This positive reinforcement boosts their confidence and promotes a healthy mindset that exercise is a positive and enjoyable thing to do. By making exercise a rewarding experience, you help your kid develop a lifelong love for physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of fun and easy ways to motivate and inspire your kid to get physically active. The most important thing is to make sure that they get the 60 minutes (or more!) of physical activity per day recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It's never too early or late to start!
This cause is very close to our hearts, as we empower mental and physical health through sport and play and believe that everyone deserves the chance to live a healthy and happy life.
The Karen Friedman Memorial Baseball Camp for a Cure (KFMBCC) was founded in 2014 by Joey Friedman to honor his mother Karen. A beloved and passionate teacher who passed away from breast cancer at the age of 36.
KFMBCC is a one-day baseball camp held annually in Fredericksburg, VA. It provides an opportunity for children to play baseball through multiple skills training stations as well as actual game play scrimmage time.
All proceeds of the event are divided 50/50 between 2 causes:
Kellie Bentz - Scholarship recepient
Since the start of the camp, they’ve been able to raise $108,275. We are excited to partner with an organization that is making such a positive impact in so many lives!
Joey Friedman, reached out to us after meeting at the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Convention at the beginning of the year. He is an experienced baseball coach with a background as a college and professional player.
His vision of youth baseball really captivated us! As he explains “Baseball teaches many life lessons, how to deal with adversity, how to be a good teammate, how to respect adults, and how to be a part of something greater than yourself.” He sees baseball as a platform to make an impact on other's lives in a positive way. He believes that when a child has a passion for something it can help them develop into a better person. And we absolutely agree with that!
He had a great experience with our Backyard League Gaming Baseball at the convention and thought it would be a fantastic addition to the camp. In his words “The intent of Backyard League aligns with the three values of our travel ball organization: fun, development and competition. These values are what I believe should be the focus for youth baseball. The game includes all three of those values with one product”.
The Playfinity team was especially excited when we learned about the KFMBCC initiative and the amazing work they’ve been doing for many years.
We immediately knew we had to be part of it!
We have joined forces with the Karen Friedman Memorial Baseball Camp for a Cure in order to help make a difference together!
As part of our partnership with KFMBCC, we have donated Backyard League Gaming Baseballs to the camp raffle and to Foxes Baseball, Joey’s non-profit traveling baseball team. In addition, for all the Gaming Baseballs purchased on our website using the KFCURE10 or KFCURE20 coupon code, we will donate between 10-20%.
Joey Friedman
Playfinity is built on the belief that an active lifestyle is essential to a healthy, happy and fulfilling life. That's why we're so passionate about partnering with an organization like this one, which encourages young people to get active and do good in the world. This partnership is very meaningful to us because it helps further our core values of promoting a healthy and playful lifestyle and treating others with respect.
Playfinity is committed to helping the camp reach its goal of providing a memorable experience for every child who attends and raising awareness and money for this great cause.
Will you help us?
Your support will have a great impact on the lives of many. Through your generosity, you will be able to help provide funds for researchers to find more efficient and accurate ways to detect cancer in its early stages which is vital to beating the disease. With your contribution you will also help students to get the education they deserve to succeed in life and to have a better future.
From February 23, 2023, you can purchase our Backyard League Gaming Baseball at our website by entering any of these code:
As Karen Friedman used to say "To know you have made a difference in someone’s life is a truly wonderful thing." Inspired by her words, we can say that the Playfinity team is very proud to be involved in such a remarkable initiative and is thrilled to keep making a difference in the life of many through sports. Thank you Joey Friedman for giving us this opportunity!
The project has already had a positive impact on many people, and we are looking forward to seeing it continue to grow.
We encourage you all to spread the word about our partnership - the more people that know about it, the more impact we can make!
]]>We are excited to announce that Playfinity is selected as one of top ten finalist for the 2022 SFIA (Sport and Fitness Industry Association) Start-up Challenge
Read on for the full press release from SFIA
SILVER SPRING, MD (June 9, 2022) – Ten finalists have been selected by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) to present their companies at the 2022 SFIA Start-Up Challenge, taking place virtually on July 26, 2022. The application pool included entrepreneurs from around the world, representing all segments of the industry, including innovative sports tech, fitness equipment, team and racquet sports, health and wellness products, gaming, and more.
All finalists will receive industry exposure, real-time feedback from industry decision-makers and executives, personal introductions, and one year of SFIA membership. Each finalist will create a five-minute pitch video, professionally edited and polished by our digital media partner, Spark Inc., and present to an elite panel of more than 100 judges. Assessments will evaluate each company in terms of relevancy, creativity, and potential. In addition to the prizes listed above, the grand prize winner will be awarded a 2023 SFIA Start-Up Challenge judge’s seat, national media coverage, an SFIA research report spotlight, and an exclusive 2022 Industry Leaders Summit package.
The 2022 finalists are:
“It is exciting and affirming to see the innovative ideas and competitive spirit driving these young sports product companies,” said Tom Cove, President & CEO, SFIA.
“The backbone of the industry’s success is the creative, risk-taking, and entrepreneurial culture of companies like these, who when presented with challenges, continue to find a way to add value to the sports and fitness industry. We host the SFIA Start-Up Challenge annually to provide early businesses the opportunity to propel the industry to new heights, and we are very excited about this year’s innovators.”
For more on the 2022 Start-Up Challenge, visit www.sfiastartupchallenge.org.
If you are interested in an interview with one of our 10 Start-Up Challenge finalists or a member of the SFIA team, please contact Lisa Futterman at lfutterman@sfia.org.
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products and fitness industry. SFIA seeks to promote sports and fitness participation, as well as industry vitality through research, thought leadership, public affairs, industry affairs, and member services. For more information, please visit sfia.org.
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