THE GIFT OF SPORT

Finnley Ritter

Project Creator and Fearless Fundraiser 

(written by Finnley in 2021)

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Hi, my name is Finnley Ritter.  (At the time of founding this initiative in 2021, I was 12 years old.) I am a lacrosse, soccer, track and field, cross-country, and skiing athlete from Haddonfield, NJ.  

 

Each year I attend summer camps that not only help me to improve my athletic skills but that also teach me leadership skills.  At one of these camps, the Julie Foudy Sports and Leadership Academy, Julie and the other directors (like Jen Adams) charged us to develop a way to give back to our community.  This is all a part of "choosing to matter" both on and off of the field.  On their website they state: "We want our student-athletes to experience the confidence sports can offer."  That is my goal, too...to provide the opportunity for someone else to experience the confidence that sports provide for me!  

 

It was at this sports and leadership academy that I came up with the idea to use my passion for Parisi South Jersey speed school to fuel a service project.  I came up with a plan to fund pre-paid training for a Camden athlete in need to attend this speed school that I love so much.  Why an athlete from Camden, NJ?  Because that is where the Parisi South Jersey speed school is located, and that is where I get to train!  

 

My mom helped me create "The Gift of Sport" (originally known as "Heart of an Athlete'') to focus on the idea of me giving it my all both on and off of the sports field.  She also helped me turn my idea for a gift of Parisi South Jersey speed school pre-paid training into the Donald Polk emPOWERment Program.  This is how I am "choosing to matter" and how I plan to not just be a "leader in sports" but also to be a "leader in life!"  

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Before I started at Parisi South Jersey, I wouldn't always want to go to my other training sessions.  When I started Parisi SJ, though, I was always so excited for my next speed school session.  Parisi South Jersey has built my confidence, strength, speed...and has made me so happy.  This training helps me with my worries and anxieties and gives me more self-worth.  I cannot thank Liz and the coaches at Parisi SJ enough for that!  All of this is why I want to give someone else the same amazing opportunity that Parisi SJ has given me. For me, Parisi South Jersey is like an organic medicine that boosts your mood and makes you stronger every time you are there.