St. Andrew’s Student Creates Sports Regeneration

By Skip Sheffield

Bryant Koshi is a St. Andrew’s School senior who has joined with several classmates to create a new sports-related charity. Koshi, 17, talks about the project in his own words.

“Sports Regeneration (www.SportsRegeneration.com) was created in April 2012 as I realized that year after year my parents asked me to gather my outgrown sports equipment to be given or sometimes thrown away. I realized that although too small for me, someone could probably use most of it, so I thought why not recycle it?,” he explains. “Therefore, I came up with the concept “Sports Regeneration”. I along with my parents came up with a plan to collect sports gear from friends and leagues that I played in and then redistribute to those we thought could use it. I first contacted Boca Raton Little League (BRLL) and asked them for their assistance, which they were happy to do. I then developed a website, which was a little easier than I thought it would be. Near the end of the baseball seasons we circulated an email through BRLL asking them to please consider “regenerating” their outgrown or unwanted items. My friends and I met the ballparks and collected the gear. We scrubbed the cleats with soap and water, washed the bats and helmets, and took the pants, jerseys and socks to the laundry mat. Our last duty was to select a non-profit charity to donate the equipment to. We searched the Spirit of Giving Network (www.sognetwork.com) which describes many of our local charities with their wish lists. We selected Propel (www.propelyourfuture.com) and contacted them. They were a good fit so we coordinated a mutual time and delivered the equipment. I think they were amazed at the quantity and condition of the gear. It made us happy to know it would be put to good use. This should save money for families and allow kids to play who otherwise could not afford equipment. We hope our vision is continuously repeated throughout all communities. “

PROPEL executive director Nhu Nguyen said Koshi’s call was a most welcome addition to PROPEL’s community outreach.

”Sports is very important in young people’s lives as it teaches discipline and fitness,” Nguyen states. “With extra equipment our students are not limited to what they can play due to lack of equipment. We are looking forward to future partnership with Sports Regeneration as it is a good idea that benefits our community. With all the negative press lately about bullying, it is a breath of fresh air to see young people like Bryant.”

For more information, call PROPEL at 561-955-8553.

Bryant 1: Ryan Rixon, Miles Hindon, Bryant Koshi and Nhu Nguyen

Bryant 2: Gathering sports equipment at Koshi’s house