How leftover Leeds Marathon kit is transforming lives as part of huge kit swap drive to tackle inequality
Leeds Marathon leftover kit helps give hundreds access to sport through huge kit giveaway
Over 3,000 pieces of sports kit have been donated to community groups and schools to tackle inequality and improve access to sport.
Nearly 300 items were donated after being left behind at the Leeds Marathon earlier this month.
The kit swap event at John Charles Centre for Sport was organised by the Kit Equipment Exchange Partnership (KEEP) to distribute equipment to people across the city who may not have access to or be able to afford it.
The 3,400 of pieces of kit were donated by organisations in the partnership and included sports tops and bottoms, jackets, trainers and sports bras. Some were completely brand new and many barely used.
All of the kits have now been picked up by the over 50 organisations and local residents who attended the kit swap and will support a wide range of people in Leeds, including children and young people, looked after children, women and girls, LGBTQ+ groups, people attending substance misuse groups and people living in the most deprived areas.
It also means that nearly 1.5kg of clothes and equipment have avoided going to landfill.
KEEP is made up of several organisations including Active Leeds, Yorkshire Sport Foundation, Zero Waste Leeds, Leeds United Foundation, Leeds Rhinos, Action for Sport, Freedom4Girls, Wear & Share Leeds and Run For All.
Libby Cotter and Megan Greaves from Active Leeds said: “It was amazing to see partners, community leaders, teachers and local residents all in one room, connecting and supporting each other through donated kit. It’s a great example of what we can achieve together, helping people get active while also doing good for the planet.”
Coun Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, said: “It’s great to see the kit exchange event return after the success of the pilot we held last year, with even more pieces of kit donated yet again.
“No one should be put off from playing sports or being active because they can’t afford to buy the right equipment.
“Integral to the Leeds Ambitions is the work we do to tackle inequalities and we will continue working together in this partnership to improve access to sport.”