Maasmechelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Maasmechelen collected hundreds of secondhand sportswear items under “Sports for Everyone”. Organised by Local Opportunities Consultation, Chris Ferson said items will sell for 50¢ at Soma, Thebe, and Huis van het Kind.
As VRT News reported, the municipality of Maasmechelen, in the province of Limburg, Belgium, launched a campaign to collect secondhand sportswear. It was held under the motto “Sports for Everyone.”
How is Maasmechelen helping families with hundreds of sports clothes?
The campaign was organised by the Local Opportunities Consultation, an umbrella organisation that unites groups helping vulnerable residents. By working with schools and local associations, the project promotes the reuse of clothing and supports the community.
“We believe it’s important that everyone has access to healthy and enjoyable leisure activities,”
says Chris Ferson, poverty coordinator for the municipality of Maasmechelen.
“But sports can be expensive- the registration fee, the equipment, the clothing… That’s why we came up with the idea of collecting sportswear that people no longer wear at home. And that turned out to be a bull’s-eve.”
Last week, the municipality of Maasmechelen completed the sorting of all sportswear collected during the “Sports for Everyone” campaign. Ferson, involved in the project, said the clothing is still very clean and in good condition.
“Some pieces even still have their original price tags,”
he added.
The collection includes sneakers, tracksuits, jerseys, and other sports-related items suitable for children and young people of different ages.
“We received all sorts of items: shoes, shirts, pants, leotards, swimwear.. Something for everyone,”
Ferson continues.
“The sale was originally intended for children’s clothing, but while sorting through it, we realised we could offer clothing for both children and adults.”
The sorted sportswear will be available for sale starting Monday, Nov 2, 2025, at 50 cents per item. Families can visit the non-profit organisations Soma, Thebe, and the Huis van het Kind (House of the Child) during their scheduled hours to choose the items they need. The initiative allows the community to reuse sportswear, supports families with limited resources, and promotes sustainability.
“We hope everyone finds something they like and can find a great workout outfit,”
concludes Ferson.
The initiative coincided with the Day of Resistance Against Poverty on October 17, 2025. The aim is to make sports equipment available to all children and young people, regardless of their financial situation. In early September 2025, the city placed special collection boxes at every primary and secondary school. Students could drop off sportswear they no longer needed.
