SportsCenter’s Sarina Morales encourages a ‘Level Playing Field’ in new PSA
One in five kids from underserved communities don’t play sports and one of the reasons is that equipment isn’t accessible and it’s too expensive. To enable more youth access to sports, ESPN is teaming up with DoSomething.org — one of the largest global organizations for young people and social change — on the Level Playing Field campaign. The campaign encourages young people to set up sports equipment drives to benefit kids in need.
ESPN’s social media and SportsCenter correspondent Sarina Morales stars in the campaign’s new public service announcement airing on ESPN networks. Front Row sat down with Morales to learn more about her passion for this cause.
Why did you want to be a part of the Level Playing Field campaign?
I grew up in the Bronx. I knew early on as kid that buying new equipment for baseball was not a cheap endeavor for my parents. I’ve seen the high cost keep kids from participating in sports. Lucky for me, I had hand-me-downs from friends and family. . . heck, I used my dad’s old baseball glove for the first two years of high school. Playing sports has huge benefits on a kid’s development physically and mentally, and I am extremely grateful to those who gave me the chance to play. Being part of Level Playing Field, I want to be able to help kids in a similar situation.
What role has sports played in your life?
There’s no question that sports has helped build the person I am today, both personally and professionally. I don’t think I would be here at ESPN or have had some of the amazing experiences and opportunities that led me here without all the life skills that sports have afforded me.
Sports helped me build my confidence, my perseverance and taught me teamwork. Everyone should have the right to play sports — no matter the cost — and be able to take advantage of all its benefits.
Even today, sports play a big role in my life (beyond my job of course). I’m currently training for a half marathon and continue my passion for baseball that started when I was young, by playing on the ESPN anchors’ softball team. I frequent a nearby batting cage, slugging it out in the 70-mph cages. Both running and batting practice give me energy and make me feel so much better about myself when I’m having a long day.
Why is it important to empower young people to help others?
That’s one of the reasons I love this campaign – it’s youth led! Young people have a voice, they have social media and they have great power and influence on other young people. Getting other young people to get involved, donate equipment and spreading the word is huge!
What role do you think social media has in creating social good?
Social sharing takes grassroots campaigning to the “umpteenth” level. Young people love sharing good stories and tools like Twitter and Instagram can quickly get the message and appeal to a large audience.
The Level Playing Field campaign runs through Oct. 31. To learn more, visit DoSomething.org/LevelPlayingField.
