Our Community

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RISE Through Sports is proudly Pitt County–based and Eastern North Carolina–focused. During our first two years, our primary investment is in Pitt County, where we believe Greenville and the surrounding communities serve as the heart of Eastern NC.

While our roots are local, our vision is regional. We recognize that families across Eastern North Carolina face similar barriers to youth sports participation, and we are committed to expanding our reach as resources and partnerships allow.

At RISE Through Sports, we believe that strong communities are built by investing in young people, the leaders of tomorrow. Every child deserves the opportunity to play, grow, and succeed regardless of financial circumstances. Through intentional support, we are working to create a more equitable and inclusive sports environment for the next generation.

Our focus is informed by both community data and direct collaboration with schools, coaches, counselors, and youth sports leagues.

Primary Population Served:

• Youth athletes ages 3–18, with a primary focus on ages 7–14
• Elementary and middle school–aged athletes, when financial need often increases
• Youth transitioning into more structured and specialized sports environments

Why Ages 7–14 Matter Most:

• Sports become more competitive and specialized
• Athletes are shaped, mentored, and empowered during these years
• Equipment becomes more sport-specific and costly
• Participation fees, travel, and practice demands increase significantly

Family Dynamics We Commonly Serve:

• Single-parent households, most often led by mothers
• Families balancing work demands with youth sports commitments
• Households where participation costs create a barrier to consistent athletic involvement

By understanding the realities families face, RISE Through Sports is able to provide targeted, meaningful support that meets athletes where they are and helps them continue to grow—on and off the field.

Data Sources

Demographic and community data referenced above was compiled from publicly available sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau and Pitt County demographic reports, as well as Data USA. These sources help inform our understanding of community needs and guide our outreach and program development.