The Tampa Bay HEAT, a nonprofit organization which provides the opportunity for home schooled kids to play on sports teams made up of only home schooled children, is holding a fundraiser at Alderman’s Ford Park on March 24.
The Tampa Bay Home Education Activities Team (HEAT), a nonprofit organization which is dedicated to minister to the home schooled population of Tampa, is hosting a 5k fundraiser at Alderman Ford Park on March 24. The funds raised from this event will help give home schooled children the opportunity to play on sports teams, participate in races, go to camp and pay for sporting equipment.
“Our group was originally formed to organize recognized sports so homeschool kids might too be able to get athletic scholarships to college,” said Tracy Reed, the Alderman Ford event organizer. “We are providing the opportunity for home schooled students to play on competitive teams compromised entirely of home schooled kids.”
The sports that the Tampa Bay HEAT currently offers include basketball, volleyball, cross country, soccer, tennis, golf, triathlons and even fencing. The HEAT also clubs including art, drama, dance quest, photography, chess, sewing, woodworking and yearbook.
The organization also financially supports families who cannot afford to have their children involved in athletic programs, as the organization firmly believes that a healthy child is a happy child.
“It’s no secret that in recent years we have seen a problem with childhood obesity. Last year in the state of Florida alone it was reported that one out of every three kids was considered obese,” said Reed. “It is our desire to help kids be healthy and active through exercise and sports programs.”
Those interested in registering for the 5k can find the information at www.keepingkidsfit.org. The cost to enter is $20 for ages 10 and older, $15 for ages nine and under and $10 for kids interested in the one mile fun run. The deadline to register for a t-shirt is March 15 and the race will begin at 8 a.m. on March 24.
Sponsors of the race include Publix Super Markets and GU Energy. Tampa Bay HEAT is located at 1011 Knowles Rd. in Brandon. For more information, call 658-0559, e-mail info@tampabayheat.org or visit www.tampabayheat.org.
