Photo: CHASE ross, founder of sports for sound with kris schnell, audiologist
Written by Kris Schnell, MA CCC-S, Class of 1987
My name is Kris Schnell and I have been an audiologist for over 30 years. About ten years ago, I was approached by a patient of mine that had a vision to assist residents in our county that may not be able to afford hearing aids. He has worn hearing aids since he was two years old and was able to obtain them through his parents’ insurance. As an adult, when the time came to purchase new aids, he had no idea of the cost of hearing aids and that most traditional insurance companies didn’t cover them. He then had an idea of starting an organization that would hold one fund raiser each year and the money raised would be used to purchase hearing aids or assistive devices. Together we brainstormed and Sports for Sound was formed.
Sports for Sound is a non-profit organization that helps provide financial assistance to residents in Tuscarawas and Carroll counties. Our annual fund raiser typically consists of our very popular 5K obstacle course, 5K walk and for each year of the event, a “special” race to commemorate the length of time we have been in existence. For example, for our eighth anniversary we had an 8K race, our ninth year a 9K…..
In addition to the running and walking events, there are also Chinese and silent auction items, a food truck and beer garden. The event is held yearly at the Eastern Ohio Sports Complex, owned by Larry Huggins.
In 2023, Sports for Sound will be entering our 10th year and can proudly to say we have been able to help over 80 patients obtain hearing aids. Some hearing aids have been donated by manufacturers such as Phonak, GN Resound, Beltone, Audina and Starkey and the rest have been purchased by Sports for Sound. We have been blessed with generous sponsors and community donors over the years. Without their help and the help of the numerous volunteers we would not have had the success that we’ve had.
This year, Sports for Sound will be held May 20th at the Eastern Ohio Sports Complex in Sherrodsville, OH. More information about the event, sponsorship and donation information can be found on our website, sportsforsound.com or on our Facebook page.
Come check us out for our 10th anniversary!
