GOPHER SPORT - AGENCY PARTNER

Since 2012, Gopher Sport has been a Big Brothers Big Sisters Premium Agency Partner. Through their generosity and support, the lives of Littles across Southern Minnesota have been changed for the better.

In addition to hosting recruitment events and participating in our fundraisers, our partnership with Gopher Sport has led to the creation of our Sports Buddies program. The program gives Littles, along with their Bigs, the opportunity to engage in sports & physical activities while promoting healthy lifestyles. Completely funded by Gopher Sport, the program is a huge success and has opened countless Littles' eyes to new and healthy activities. There are three types of activities in the Sports Buddies program, and each changes lives in different ways:

ORGANIZED SPORTS

We organize more than 50 sports-related activities a year for our Bigs & Littles. Matches enjoy gaga ball, dodgeball, basketball, kickball, pickle ball, and more.  Some of the kids in our program have never experienced playing a sport outside of gym class.  From these activities, Littles learn sportsmanship, develop teamwork, and acquire skills that will last a lifetime.

SPORTS EXPERIENCES

Some sporting activities are out of reach for many of our Littles.  Things like horseback riding, golfing, archery, fishing, and doing yoga require special equipment, instruction, and transportation.  Because of Gopher Sport, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes it possible for our Littles to have these otherwise unattainable experiences.

EVENT TICKETS

Through the support of Gopher Sport, Big Brothers Big Sisters provides tickets and transportation to big sporting events like the Timberwolves, Wild, Twins, United, and Gophers.  For some of our Littles and Bigs, this is the first time they have the opportunity to see a professional team live.  Outings like this not only create great memories, but they ignite a love of the game that lasts a lifetime.