On Saturday, December 14, Journey Christian Church became the site of one of Central Florida’s most heartwarming holiday traditions: the 11th Annual Jordan’s Sporting Goods Store. Hosted by the Jordan Smelski Foundation, this inspiring event brought together over 1,400 children and families for a day of giving, joy, and safety. From bikes and skateboards to helmets and safety lessons, the event provided everything kids needed to enjoy their new gifts while staying safe.
“For many of these kids, this might be the only gift they receive this year,” shared Steve Smelski, the event’s founder. “Jordan had such a deep love for sports, and this event is a beautiful way to honor his passion while making a meaningful impact in these kids’ lives.” Smelski’s words underscored the event’s deeper purpose: creating opportunities for children to embrace active lifestyles and safe play, especially during the holiday season.
Making Safety a Priority
Bike/Walk Central Florida (BWCF) was proud to contribute to the event’s mission by focusing on safety. Every child receiving a bike, scooter, or skateboard also left with a properly fitted helmet to ensure their safety while riding. Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and this event gave us a chance to extend that mission to families across Central Florida.
Preparation for this large-scale event required a significant team effort. With the help of regional trainer Shelby Villatoro and a dedicated group of volunteers, BWCF ensured the smooth fitting of over 980 helmets, amplifying the impact and reinforcing the organization’s commitment to fostering safe, active lifestyles.
The event wasn’t just about providing gifts—it was about creating meaningful change. Children left with more than physical items; they gained the tools and knowledge to enjoy their new bikes and scooters safely.
Why Safety Matters
Safety is a cornerstone of creating healthier, thriving communities. According to the National Safety Council, wearing a properly fitted bike helmet reduces the risk of serious head injuries by more than 50%. In Florida, children face a significant risk when walking and biking, with the state ranking third in the nation for child pedestrian fatalities in 2021 (NHTSA). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize that regular physical activity, like biking, boosts cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and supports mental well-being in children. Additionally, Safe Kids Worldwide reports that helmet use decreases the risk of severe brain injury by up to 88%.
Despite these proven benefits, studies show that only 42% of children regularly wear helmets while riding bikes. This alarming statistic underscores the vital role Bike/Walk Central Florida plays in providing access to properly fitted helmets and advocating for the life-saving importance of safety gear in our communities. By ensuring children have the tools they need to stay safe, we empower them to enjoy the benefits of active lifestyles while reducing the risk of preventable injuries.
Tangible Community Impact
The numbers from the event tell a powerful story of community impact:
- 1,400 children served
- 982 helmets properly fitted
- 580 bicycles gifted
- 300 scooters gifted
- 80 skateboards distributed
Each of these numbers represents a tangible impact on the community reflecting the joy, safety, and empowerment provided to children who may not have had this opportunity otherwise. For many families, this event created lasting memories and a renewed sense of community connection during the holiday season.
Thank You to Our Partners
The success of Jordan’s Sporting Goods Store would not have been possible without the dedication and collaboration of our incredible partners. A heartfelt thank you goes to:
These organizations generously donated their time, resources, and expertise to ensure that every child had a memorable and safe experience. Together, we demonstrated the power of collaboration to uplift communities and foster meaningful connections.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the incredible success of this year’s event, we are already looking forward to continuing the legacy of Jordan’s Sporting Goods Store next year. Through events like this, we can amplify the message of safety, spread joy, and inspire communities to prioritize active, healthy lifestyles.
The 11th Annual Jordan’s Sporting Goods Store was a testament to the power of compassion, collaboration, and commitment to building a better future for the next generation. Let’s keep the momentum going and make every ride a safe one.
Join the Movement
Are you passionate about promoting safety in your community? Bike/Walk Central Florida invites you to join us in making a difference. By becoming a certified helmet fitter or volunteering at future events, you can help provide safety gear, education, and resources to families in need. Click here to sign up and be notified about upcoming training opportunities and events.
Together, we can continue to make a difference—one helmet, one child, and one smile at a time.
P.S. Relive the joy and excitement from the 11th Annual Jordan’s Sporting Goods Store. Check out all the photos from the day in our Flickr album!
