KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan is set to launch their newest program called Sports Buddies.
In Sports Buddies, local adult volunteers will mentor a child over a blend of spectator and active sports events with mentor/mentee (“Big”/”Little”) matches meeting 1 to 2 times per month, typically on Saturdays, at events hosted by BBBSMI staff.
Organizers say a kick-off event will be held on Saturday, February 11 at Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s last women’s and men’s home basketball games of the season. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ staff will be on-site starting at 1 p.m. with giveaways and to answer any questions at the Texas Township Campus’ gym at 6767 West O Avenue in Kalamazoo.
“Adults in our community have knowledge and experience that will benefit local youth and our youth want to learn from them,” says Amy Kuchta, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan’s Chief Executive Officer. “Organized and recreational sports promote physical and emotional health, as well as a sense of community, and are the perfect backdrop to form and nurture a positive, empowering mentoring relationship.”
The kick-off event is open to the public, but RSVP is requested. Attendance at the kick-off event is not mandatory to be a part of the program.
Visit ThinkBigToday.org/sports to RSVP.
To learn more about Sports Buddies, visit ThinkBigToday.org/enroll.
Those interested in becoming a mentor, visit ThinkBigToday.org/volunteer to learn more.
