“We wanted to do something big.” They did.

This playground exists as a direct result of the unwavering hard work of the Gettysburg College Women’s Soccer team. They made a decision and then never gave up as the realities of fundraising hit home.

How did this all begin? Over the years, Universal Promise has received scores of team uniforms and sports equipment from Gettysburg: items we distributed amongst numerous sports teams in and around Addo, South Africa. For the Women’s Soccer team and coach, however, that was not enough. In response to a South African school’s wish, the team decided to lead the charge to replace a dusty, broken playground at St. Ignatius Primary School with a new structure, featuring a climbing bridge and wall of tires, a balance area, two slides, a seesaw, a miniature ⚽️ field and 🏀 court, and several picnic tables and a pergola under which children enjoy lunch in the shade.

The team is also committed to joining local anti-gender-based violence campaigns and outfitting a larger St. Ignatius soccer field with goals and equipment. Anyone who has ever been involved with sports understands their ability to build confidence, cement friendships, confront insecurities, and elevate us to levels previously feared.

That fearlessness, of course, was pivotal, because playgrounds cost money, lots of money, but that did not deter anyone. Players launched a DonorSee Playground Project, made and sold bracelets, designed and sold t-shirts, planned and will carry out a 5-K Run & Walk, and more.

We always say that it is easy to make a promise, but that it is a completely different matter to fulfill a promise. When it comes to the Gettysburg College Women’s Soccer team, its coach, and the Gettysburg College community, make no mistake; a promise actually means something to them. They saw something, and they did something. If you would like to recognize their devotion by contributing to this cause, please click here.