The following post was contributed by Michael Merry who hand-delivered equipment to Cambodia as part of his role at Kids Play International.
In April of 2019, Second Kicks generously donated four bags of equipment to Kids Play International – an organization that works to promote gender equity through sport and the Olympic Values in post genocide impacted countries. KPI has been working in Gatagara, Rwanda since 2012 and, in 2018, it launched the ‘Let’s Play Fair’ program in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The donations received from Second Kicks have greatly impacted the program’s roughly 100 beneficiaries and have been instrumental to KPI as it continues to extend its impact in Siem Reap and the surrounding community.
The jerseys, shorts, cleats, socks, first-aid kits and training equipment provided by Second Kicks are used every day and help to ensure that each participant has access to appropriate attire and equipment as they fulfill their right to play. Moreover, as KPI intentionally places participants on mixed-gender teams to foster deep and meaningful relationships between boys and girls, the donated uniforms have helped to build a shared sense of identity amongst participants as they play and learn together. Since April, the equipment has aided KPI as we carried out very successful volleyball, rugby and baseball seasons and we look forward to many more to come.
On behalf of KPI, thank you Second Kicks for your wonderful donation. Your your work helps to enable countless organizations, like KPI, to continue to effect positive social change through sport across the globe. Victor and the rest of the amazing Second Kicks team were incredibly kind, professional and accommodating as they tailored the donation to our needs. The equipment has and will continue to be put to good use promoting gender equity in Siem Reap for years to come.
Program Intern
Kids Play International