Winter Sports Enthusiasts Sell Gear, Find Bargains at Ski and Sports Swap

Skiers, snowboarders and outdoor enthusiasts lined up the morning of Nov. 8 outside the doors of the 41st annual YMCA Ski and Sports Swap in Stevens Point.

A variety of new and used recreation equipment and apparel was on sale and attendees were eager to shop for bargain gear.

The event was open to the public and a donation of $1 per person or $3 per family was requested at the door. All proceeds from the event went to YMCA’s Teen Leaders Club, a group offering programming and volunteer opportunities for local youth. Teen leaders volunteered at the event.

“This is one of the biggest fundraisers we have for our Teen and Youth Department,” said Tiffany Praeger, the Teen and Youth Director at the Stevens Point YMCA. “There was a line down the hallway
at 10:30 a.m.”

Equipment was checked in Friday night and Saturday morning. Sellers priced their own equipment and items were turned away if they were too old or in unsafe condition.

Praeger said 15 percent of proceeds from equipment sales are kept by the Teen Leaders Club and the remaining money goes back to the seller.

“We partner with a few local stores,” Praeger said. “A lot of community members donate, too.”

Among the shoppers and sellers at the swap was Stevens Point resident Bill Hannon. Hannon is a downhill skier who spends his free time each winter on the slopes of Granite Peak in Rib Mountain.

“I usually come to the ski swap every year to look for good deals,” Hannon said. “Sometimes I sell old equipment so someone else can have a chance to use it. Getting a few bucks for it is nice, too.”

Hannon said this year he is selling a pair of his son’s outgrown skis.

“I’d like to find a new pair of skis for my son to use this winter,” Hannon said.

Kyle Chojnacki is a member of the Teen Leaders Club and volunteered at the event.

Chojnacki got involved with the Teen Leaders Club three years ago and said he enjoys being part of the club because he stays busy and gains experience that will help him get jobs.

“It’s fun because I get out of the house and do more stuff,” Chojnacki said.

Chojnacki is not a winter recreationist but likes volunteering at the event because he gets to help handle the rush of people in the morning.

“It’s exciting to be here,” Chojnacki said.

 

Avery Jehnke
Reporter
ajehn738@uwsp.edu

About pointer

Avatar

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*