As a part time blogger and a full time dad, I am always on the look out for people and stories that are both heartfelt and inspiring. So, when I was contacted to help Sports Illustrated Kids tell the story of Will Thomas and Operation Hawkeye, I jumped at the chance!
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This story, along with popular athletes and the causes they are passionate about, emphasizes the importance of giving back within your community and is the focal point of July's issue of Sports Illustrated Kids. Also, Michelle Obama is featured on the cover, as she roll out her LET'S MOVE! initiative to fight childhood obesity. My oldest son practices karate and loves anything that involves him running and jumping, so this is definitely a program that I can get behind!This issue is on newsstands or through ITunes, Amazon Apps, Google Play or Nook Apps stores. To subscribe to SI Kids, click HERE
About Operation Hawkeye
"Inspired by a tragic military event in the summer of 2011, the then 12-year-old Will Thomas committed himself to shoot 17,000 baskets in his driveway as a way to privately honor our fallen heroes. As others in the community learned of Will’s challenge they began pledging money for every basket made. The feat took him nearly 60 hours to complete and began a mission whose goal in 2013 is to raise over $300,000 for military forces and their families.
Sports Illustrated Kids believes Will is an example of how even kids can change their communities and is inviting others across the country to join Will in his next challenge. The E17 Free Throw Challenge is a 60-day basketball event where kids all over the country will attempt 1,700 (individual) or 17,000 (team) basketball free throws in an effort to raise money and awareness for military families."
Interested in Participating?
For more information or to participate, individuals or teams can register and pledge funds at the Operation Hawkeye E17 site. All participants will receive recognition from the U.S. Special Operations Command as well as an Operation Hawkeye bracelet. The individual or team that raises the highest donation will receive further recognition and a special prize.
Visit the Sports Illustrated Kids Facebook page at to watch a video about Will’s inspirational story and share how your family is using sports to give back and build community this summer.
Finally, I just want to give Will Thomas a huge Fatherly Stuff round of applause for being a model to young kids everywhere that with the right amount of heart and determination, you can truly make a real and positive difference in people's lives.
Question: What ways are you teaching your children about the importance of giving back?
*I received a free SI Kids subscription in exchange for this post, however this is a cause I truly support and my opinions are my own*
This is inspiring, it really doesn't matter the age- ANYBODY can make a difference if they put their hearts and minds into it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Will. Your love and support is greatly apreciated by all of the spec. ops. It is great people like you that we think about when going into situations that "normal" people would flee from. Thank you. Give your parents a gret big heart felt hug from me. They have raise a great young man.
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