More Than a Game — A Path to Better Health
Sports for Health is iCare Foundation's weekly program that uses the power of athletics to promote physical fitness, build community connections, and encourage healthy lifestyle habits across Greater Tampa Bay. Every week, participants of all ages and skill levels come together — no fees, no barriers, no requirements except showing up.
The sport is the draw. Community and health are the outcome. We have seen firsthand that when you make physical activity accessible, consistent, and enjoyable — people show up. And when they keep showing up, lives change. Sports for Health is our proven model for reaching community members where they are and building the habits that last a lifetime.
Physical Health Is the Foundation Everything Else Is Built On
In Greater Tampa Bay, chronic disease rates among low-income communities are significantly higher than the regional average — driven by limited access to safe recreational spaces, gym memberships, structured fitness programs, and preventive health education. For many residents in underserved neighborhoods, regular physical activity is simply not accessible.
Sports for Health removes every barrier to participation. No membership fee, no equipment to buy, no skill requirement. Just a consistent, welcoming, community-run program that makes physical activity a normal, expected part of the week — because for many participants, this is the most consistent exercise they get.
The Health Gap in Our Community
63% of adults in Hillsborough County are overweight or obese, with rates significantly higher among lower-income residents and communities of color. Chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes and hypertension — both directly tied to physical inactivity — disproportionately affect the communities we serve. Regular sport participation is one of the most effective and lowest-cost interventions available.
What Sports for Health Includes
Weekly Sports & Athletics
Open, organized sports activities run every week — providing a consistent outlet for physical activity, competition, and community connection. No skill level required, no barriers to entry. Just show up and play.
Fitness & Healthy Lifestyle Education
Sport is the vehicle — health is the destination. We integrate education around nutrition, physical activity, and healthy habits into our program, giving participants knowledge they can carry into their daily lives.
Community Building
Our weekly programs create more than fitness — they create community. Regular participants build relationships, accountability, and a sense of belonging that extends well beyond the court or field.
Community Tournaments & Events
Periodic community tournaments and events bring together players from across Greater Tampa Bay for friendly competition, neighborhood pride, and a celebration of health and community spirit.
Building a Full Health & Wellness Model
Sports for Health is the proven foundation of our Health & Wellness program area. What started as weekly games has demonstrated something powerful: community members respond to accessible, consistent, judgment-free health programming. That model is now guiding how we build what comes next.
We are developing sobriety and recovery support and free preventive health screenings to expand access to wellness resources for the families we serve — building on the trust and community connection that Sports for Health has established.
Sobriety & Recovery Support
Coming SoonPeer accountability and life skills support for individuals battling addiction — coming soon.
Wellness Seminars & Health Screenings
Coming SoonFree preventive health education and screenings brought directly to our community — coming soon.
Come Play. Get Healthy. Build Community.
Sports for Health is open to everyone — all ages, all skill levels, completely free. Come as you are. Whether you want to play, volunteer, or support the program financially, there is a place for you here.
Back to Health & Wellness