By Tara Maher
Has your child outgrown their sports gear? Do you have gently used items that could benefit someone else in need? If you'd prefer picking up quality pre-loved gear for free instead of purchasing new, then you won’t want to miss the upcoming event!
The Big Sports Gear Swap will be held at Crosshaven Community Centre on Sunday, March 16, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. This exciting event is designed to give families a chance to exchange sports equipment while promoting sustainability and community spirit.
Crosshaven woman Elaine Duggan, a Climate Ambassador with An Taisce for 2025, is behind the initiative. As a passionate advocate for environmental action, Elaine is encouraging local families to donate pre-loved sports items in good condition, such as jerseys, boots, helmets, hurls, balls, rackets, wetsuits, and more. These items can then be swapped for free during the event.
Elaine shared the idea behind the swap:
“I want to encourage everyone to look around their homes for sports gear their children no longer use or that doesn’t fit anymore. Kids grow quickly, and the gear they outgrow is often still in excellent condition, sometimes barely used. Instead of letting these items go to waste, this event allows them to find a second life and support others in the community who may need them.”
The goal of the swap is to reduce waste, save money, and help local parents avoid the cost of purchasing new equipment. By donating gently used items and picking up something they need, families can not only declutter but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
Elaine drew inspiration from her own family’s experience. “I have two daughters who play several sports. The amount of boots, jerseys, and other gear in our house is overwhelming. Most of it is still in great condition, but no longer fits. I knew there had to be a better way to get these items into the hands of other kids who need them. It’s especially timely as we head into a new GAA season and kids all around the community are in need of new gear.”
To ensure widespread participation, Elaine reached out to local clubs and organizations, including Crosshaven GAA, Crosshaven Camogie, Crosshaven AFC, Crosshaven Tennis Club, Crosshaven Rugby Club, Crosshaven Basketball, and the Royal Cork Yacht Club. All have been supportive in promoting the event to parents and players.
The event has also received backing from One Green Village, an environmental group based in Crosshaven, further highlighting the community's commitment to sustainability.
Elaine hopes that this event will not only be a success but also inspire similar initiatives in the future. She envisions the Big Sports Gear Swap becoming an annual event, helping to save money, reduce waste, and strengthen local ties.
“This is a win-win for everyone,” Elaine said. “It helps reduce landfill waste and saves families money. The more people who get involved, the greater the impact we can have.”
This event is just one of many initiatives Elaine will be involved in over the next year as part of her role as a Climate Ambassador. Since its launch in 2017, over 1,200 people across Ireland have participated in the An Taisce Climate Ambassador Programme. The program helps individuals upskill in climate science, solutions, and communication while taking action in their local communities.
Mark your calendars for March 16th and get ready to swap, save, and make a positive impact on the environment and your community!
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