Sports Illustrated Kids: July Issue, Featuring Operation Hawkeye

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It's very important to my husband and I that our children are active, which hasn't been hard since both have been on the go since the second they started walking!  Great publications like Sports Illustrated Kids is not only a great way to foster an interested in sports and keep moving, it's also a way to get kids reading.  It's also packed with great action photos, easy-to-read stories about star athletes, helpful instructional tips from the pros, and humor, comics, and activities.  Each issue also comes with a double sided fold out poster and nine sports cards for an extra treat.

July's issue has First Lady Michelle Obama on the cover along with an article about her Let's Move Active Schools push to get kids moving throughout the academic day.  It also features inspiring stories of athletes doing amazing things off the field and highlights 14-year-old Will Thomas, founder of Operation Hawkeye.  Will's organization raises support for U.S. Special Operation Forces and military families. It was begun back during the summer of 2011, when Will was inspired by a tragic military event.

While just 12 years old at the time, Will pledged to shoot 17,000 baskets in his driveway as a personal way to honor our fallen heros.  As word got out about his challenge, his community pledged money for every basket made.  It took this dedicated boy nearly 60 hours to complete his baskets and was the beginning of his ongoing challenge to raise money for military forces and their families; this year's goal is to reach over $300,000.

I was so moved by Will Thomas and his mission.  He is such an inspiration.  It's amazing to realize how much of an impact one kid can have, and how he can make a real difference!  Watch his inspiring story at the Sports Illustrated Kids Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sikids, and share how your family is using sports to give back and build community this summer.

Need an idea for just how you can get involved?  This summer SI Kids is inviting others across the country to join Will in his next challenge. The E17 Free Throw Challenge is a 60-day basketball event where kids all over the country will attempt 1,700 (individual) or 17,000 (team) basketball free throws in an effort to raise money and awareness for military families.

For more information or to participate, individuals or teams can register and pledge funds at the Operation Hawkeye E17 site, http://www.ophawkeye.com/e17. All participants will receive recognition from the U.S. Special Operations Command as well as an Operation Hawkeye bracelet. The individual or team that raises the highest donation will receive further recognition and a special prize.

The Sports Illustrated Kids July issue is on newsstands or through ITunes, Amazon Apps, Google Play or Nook Apps stores. To subscribe to SI Kids, visit www.sikids.com/subscribe