News Summary
The Volo Kids Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary at Volo Sports complex in Baltimore, marking a decade of providing free sports access for thousands of children. Families enjoyed festivities, demonstrating the foundation’s commitment to community and inclusivity in sports. Over 80,000 children have benefited from the foundation’s programming, which offers free sports activities aimed at ages 5-13. With support from community leaders and a recent generous donation of $100,000, the foundation plans to continue expanding its services to even more underserved communities.
Baltimore Celebrates a Decade of Free Sports Access for Thousands of Children
The Volo Kids Foundation marked its 10th anniversary with a festive celebration at the Volo Sports complex in Brewers Hill, Baltimore. This milestone event highlighted the foundation’s commitment to providing free sports access for children in the community.
During the celebration, families enjoyed a variety of activities designed to delight children, including a bouncy castle, face painting, beach volleyball, and music provided by a DJ. Parents had the opportunity to relax, enjoying food and drinks while their children participated in games and other events that fostered community engagement.
Jen Rifkin, the executive director of the Volo Kids Foundation, emphasized that the celebration was not just about the activities but also about fostering joy and connection within the community. The atmosphere reflected the foundation’s mission to make sports accessible and enjoyable for all children.
Growth of the Volo Kids Foundation
Founded in 2015, the Volo Kids Foundation began its journey with fewer than 100 young participants. Since then, it has expanded significantly, now serving thousands of children across multiple cities by offering free sports programming aimed at ages 5-13. This growth is a testament to the increasing demand for accessible sports opportunities.
The foundation has reached over 80,000 children nationwide and is anticipated to serve around 30,000 children this year alone. It provides a range of sports activities without financial barriers, covering both costs and transportation to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate.
Expansion and Partnerships
The organization responsible for the foundation, Volo Sports, has positioned itself as a leader in social sports across the United States since its inception 15 years ago. Initially started with bocce leagues to promote a less competitive sports environment, Volo Sports has significantly broadened its scope and now also includes youth sports programming.
In June, Volo Sports expanded its operations further by acquiring ZogSports, enhancing its reach and increasing total registration numbers to nearly 900,000. This acquisition aligns with the foundation’s goals to improve access to sports for children, particularly those from underserved communities.
Community Support and Future Plans
During the anniversary celebration, Giovanni “Gio” Marcantoni, CEO and founder of Volo Sports, announced a $100,000 donation aimed at bolstering the foundation’s nonprofit activities. This significant contribution underscores the commitment to ensuring that all children can participate in various sports without the burden of financial costs.
The foundation was born out of community discussions following social unrest in Baltimore, particularly in the aftermath of Freddie Gray’s death. Mayor Brandon Scott, who has been actively involved in supporting the foundation’s initiatives, continues to coach within the organization, reflecting his personal commitment to its mission.
The Volo Kids Foundation aims to create a fun environment that prioritizes community and participation over competitiveness, setting it apart from other sports programs. The organization plans to continue its growth, increasing access to sports opportunities for children, especially in underprivileged areas.
As the Volo Kids Foundation celebrates a decade of impact, it remains focused on its mission to transform the lives of children through sports, emphasizing inclusivity, community support, and the joy of play.
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Additional Resources
- The Baltimore Banner
- Wikipedia: General Information
- Baltimore Fishbowl
- Google Search: Volo Kids Foundation
- Baltimore Magazine
- Google Scholar: Volo Kids Foundation
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Philanthropy
- WMAR2 News
- Google News: Volo Kids Foundation
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
