Entrepreneur and Former Pro Athlete Urges Public to Take Action in Their Own Communities
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 21, 2025 / Entrepreneur, investor, and former professional soccer player Aaron Keay is using the spotlight from his recent career feature to highlight a cause he has been passionate about for decades: making sports and fitness more accessible to youth and underserved communities.
"Sports changed my life," Keay says. "They gave me discipline, resilience, and lifelong friendships. Every kid deserves that opportunity, no matter where they live or what their family situation is."
Why It Matters
According to the Aspen Institute's Project Play, participation in youth sports has dropped nearly 6% over the last decade, with financial barriers being a key factor. Children from low-income homes are nearly six times more likely to quit a sport due to cost.
The World Health Organization reports that regular sports participation can reduce depression risk in young people by up to 40% and improve academic performance by as much as 20%.
"Sports aren't just about winning games," Keay says. "They are a confidence builder, place for learning teamwork, and give kids a safe space to flourish."
From Soccer Fields to Boardrooms
Keay's advocacy comes from lived experience. He grew up in North Delta, British Columbia, and represented Canada internationally in soccer before playing professionally in Europe and for the Vancouver Whitecaps.
After sports, Keay transitioned to corporate finance and built a successful career founding and investing in companies, including OrganiGram, Klutch Financial, and Kommunity Fitness.
Despite his business success, he has remained active in community work-helping establish the nonprofit Kidsafe, funding scholarships for student-athletes, and supporting charities like Music Heals and the Canadian Cancer Society.
"When a former teammate battled cancer, I didn't think twice about helping," Keay says.
Fitness Access for All
Keay also wants adults to consider their own role in promoting healthier lifestyles. Through Kommunity Fitness, he's creating welcoming, high-quality group training experiences. But he stresses that access to physical activity doesn't require a luxury gym.
"Walking, running, joining a local rec league-these are things most of us can do," he says. "The point is to keep moving and to bring others along with you."
The WHO estimates that over 5 million deaths each year are linked to physical inactivity, making community-level engagement in fitness critical for public health.
What You Can Do Today
Keay urges the public to take small, practical steps that can have a big impact:
Volunteer with local youth sports teams or after-school programs.
Sponsor a child's registration fees if you can.
Join or start a community walking or running group.
Encourage family, friends, and co-workers to get active together.
"You don't need a big budget to make a difference," Keay says. "You just need to show up and care."
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Aaron Keay
Aaron Keay is a Canadian entrepreneur, investor, and former professional athlete. He is the founder of Klutch Financial and Kommunity Fitness, and serves as an advisory board member at RX3 Growth Partners. His career spans consumer products, wellness, technology, and philanthropy, with a focus on building businesses and supporting causes that strengthen communities.
Contact:
SOURCE: Aaron Keay
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire