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Each year, since 2005, The Children’s Museum has recognized youth who've created projects that have significantly impacted their communities. The awards were inspired by the museum’s inspiring permanent exhibit, The Power of Children: Making a Difference, which features three extraordinary children who touched the world in unique ways: Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, and Ryan White. In 2014, we celebrated ten years of the Power of Children Awards by highlighting 50 extraordinary youth who've made a difference through their unique projects.
We're excited to announce this year's five Power of Children Award winners and share their extraordinary projects! Today’s winner helps students participate in sports by providing recycled sports equipment to those in need.
Eric Lakomek
- Grade 10 (2014-2015 school year)
- Hometown: Saint John, Indiana
- Project: Red Shoe Project
Eric loves sports! He knows research indicates that children who participate in sports often have better grades, higher self-esteem, and stronger relationships than those who don’t participate, and yet, he saw many children sitting on the sidelines. Eric’s Red Shoe Project has eliminated a financial roadblock that keeps many kids from joining the team—the cost of sports equipment.
Red Shoe Project is a repository for recycled sports equipment. Through both donations of equipment and money, Eric and seven volunteers give their community the gift of fun and fitness. They clean, repair and distribute sports equipment at local events. Schools help Eric by donating used equipment and allowing him to set up collection receptacles.
Eric intends to get more kids off the bench by using his Power of Children Award money to purchase athletic equipment that has not been donated and to cover the participation fees that some families cannot afford. “This project is important because it not only keeps kids active and healthy but also keeps kids off the streets and out of trouble,” said Eric.
