“I’ve learned that it feels great to help others when they might not have the same privileges of me,” said Ryder Ettinger, a player on the Travel 5A Team. “Also, when you come together as a team, group or community, you can have a huge impact to those in need.” The recent shoot-a-thon raised $13,500 for student-athletes in the community.
The recent shoot-a-thon fundraiser was more than basketball for the players of the Voorhees Basketball Association.
“It was a chance for the students to use the teamwork they have learned on the court and apply it to help others,” explained Sanjay Kansupada, whose son Sujan is on the Boys 5A Travel Team.
The shoot-a-thon on Jan. 24 helped raise $13,500 to support youth basketball programs and help level the playing field for student-athletes in the community.
The event ran from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., had more than 100 student-athletes participating throughout the day. Each player attempted 50 free throws, while families and community members stopped by to cheer, enjoy snacks and connect with other basketball association families.
“Our student-athletes were able to give back and help others by doing what they love, and the community support throughout the day was incredible,” said Kansupada, who helped lead the fundraiser.
Leaders from both the boys’ and girls’ basketball programs emphasized the event’s impact beyond the court.
“Last year, we were introduced to the (organization) Leveling the Playing Field by Sanjay and it’s truly such a great organization,” noted Brandon Ettinger, head of the boys basketball program and coach of the Boys 5A Travel team. “The Voorhees Basketball Association understands the importance of team sports at the youth level, and if we can help even one child experience this … it’s all worth it.”
Leveling the Playing Field was founded in 2013 with the vision of “a world with no sidelines.” It grew in response to the growing inequity between those who can afford to play sports and those who can’t, and the prominent role the cost of sporting goods plays in that gap, according to the organization’s website.
Leveling the Playing Field nonprofit redistributes equipment to expand access and equity within youth sports and recreation programs in under-resourced communities. Locations include Philadelphia, Atlanta, Baltimore, Greater Washington, Ohio, Southeast Michigan and Western New York.
“Not every kid knows what sport they are good at or what sport they may love if they don’t have access to it,” explained Andrew Hauber, head coach of the girls basketball program. “By allowing access, it can provide an opportunity for all kids to seek out something they have a passion or love for. It will also allow kids to great long-lasting relationships with teammates and coaches that can carry them through their lives.”
Student-athletes shared what made the fundraiser meaningful.
“I’ve learned that it feels great to help others when they might not have the same privileges as me,” observed Ryder Ettinger, a Travel 5A Team member. “Also, when you come together as a team, group or community, you can have a huge impact to those in need.”
Sujan Kansupada, who is also on the Travel 5A Team, said the shoot-a-thon was not only fun but “it felt awesome knowing we were helping Leveling the Playing Field while playing basketball.”
Justin Guadagno, a father and volunteer, pointed out that the event enabled kids to understand that “their effort matters beyond the court.”
“Turning free throws into donations helps kids see how their hard work can directly support others and strengthen our community,” he said.
