Advocacy That
Strengthens Sports,
Fitness, and the
Industry
The future of sports and fitness is shaped by more than participation alone. Public policy influences everything from youth sports and recreation infrastructure to trade, global supply chains, and accessibility.
SFIA serves as the voice of the sports and fitness industry on Capitol Hill and in Washington, D.C., advocating for policies that increase accessibility, boost participation, strengthen consumer trust and protection, and create healthier, more active communities.
Advancing Today's Policy Priorities
The policy landscape is constantly evolving. SFIA works with industry stakeholders, policymakers, dignitaries, coalition partners, and community leaders to address the issues affecting our industry today while advancing long-term priorities for the future.
Current areas of focus include:
Tariffs and international trade policy
Supply chain resilience
Recreation and sports infrastructure investment and accessibility
Youth sports participation
Physical activity, health, and wellness initiatives
Federal and state legislation affecting the sports and fitness industry
The Decisions Shaping Sports and Fitness Are Bigger Than Any One Organization.
No single company, league, governing body, or nonprofit can shape the future of sports and fitness alone.
From facility accessibility and youth sports to trade policy and global supply chains, public policy affects how people participate, how businesses operate, and how communities engage in active lifestyles.
SFIA brings the industry together to ensure those decisions support greater participation, stronger businesses, and healthier communities.
The Issues Shaping the Future of Sports and Fitness
SFIA's public policy and advocacy priorities focus on the policies, dialogues, and initiatives that strengthen the sports and fitness industry while boosting participation and accessibility and expanding opportunities for people of all ages to play, move, and lead healthier lives.
Increase Participation, Accessibility & Affordability
Growing participation benefits everyone, from manufacturers and retailers to parks, schools, leagues, facilities, and communities.
- Invest in sports, fitness, and recreation infrastructure
- Increase youth sports and fitness participation
- Improve affordability and accessibility to sports and fitness
- Advocate for sports and fitness safety, health, and wellness practices
Drive Economic Empowerment & Innovation
The sports and fitness industry creates jobs, drives innovation, and contributes billions to the U.S. economy.
- Demonstrate the positive economic impact of the sports and fitness industry
- Lead legislative initiatives that support job creation and business growth
- Drive innovation across the sports and fitness industry
Implement Effective Trade Policies
International trade and tariff policy affect every part of the sports and fitness industry supply chain.
- Support collaborative trade policies that improve affordability and accessibility
- Support investment in port and domestic shipping infrastructure and supply chain improvements
- Protect U.S. intellectual property from fraud and theft
Looking 2034WARD: Collaboration & Community-Building
Increasing participation requires collaboration across industries, communities, and all levels of government.
- Collaborate with partners to increase sports and fitness participation, advocacy, and industry growth
- Cultivate public-private partnerships that expand youth sports and fitness participation
- Partner with policymakers and community leaders to promote active lifestyles
- Support resources and initiatives that expand opportunities for girls and women to participate in sports
Meet Our Government Affairs Team
Advocacy is built on relationships. SFIA actively engages with policymakers, coalition partners, business leaders, embassies, and industry stakeholders in Washington, D.C. and beyond to advance policies that strengthen sports and fitness participation and support the organizations that make it possible.
Aneysha Bhat
Director, Government Affairs & Strategic Advocacy
Aneysha leads SFIA's advocacy strategy and is the primary point of contact for policy questions, coalition inquiries, and government affairs conversations.
Contact Aneysha directly using the form below
Also Supporting Our Advocacy Work
Todd SMith
President & CEO
Bonnie McLaughlin
Vice President, External Affairs & Industry Relations
Have a policy question or want to get involved in SFIA's advocacy work?
Send us a message and our team will follow up.
Building Relationships beyond the capitol
SFIA proudly supports and sponsors the Congressional Games for Charity, which bring together policymakers, community leaders, and the sports and fitness community to celebrate collaboration through football, baseball, softball, pickleball, and more.
Advocacy News & Updates
Stay up to date on SFIA's advocacy work, policy developments, coalition efforts, and industry updates from Washington and beyond.
Become Part of the Conversation
The strongest advocacy efforts happen when the sports and fitness industry speaks with a unified voice. As an SFIA member, you can stay informed on emerging policy issues, engage with industry leaders, and help shape the future of sports and fitness participation.