Athletes for Hope, a non-profit founded by an elite group of professional athletes with a shared passion for philanthropy, announced participation in a series of events in the coming weeks that will empower professional athletes to follow their philanthropic dreams and engage various industry leaders in sports philanthropy. Events include an educational workshop today at the ATP University and star-studded panels at Sportaccord in Denver and the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles.

For the second straight year, CEO Ivan Blumberg met with many of tennis’ brightest young stars during the ATP World Tour’s annual ATP University to discuss the importance of athletes becoming involved in philanthropy and to provide a roadmap for achieving their philanthropic goals. Last year, all 19 players that participated in the educational workshop signed up to become members of Athletes for Hope. Administered by the ATP's Player Relations department, the ATP University features classroom presentations made by ATP staff members and outside experts specializing in the fields of communications, philanthropy, finance, and medicine.

Led by two founders, Andre Agassi and Andrea Jaeger, and another member, Paralympian gold medalist Chris Waddell, Athletes for Hope is hosting a panel at Sportaccord’s annual conference on March 26 entitled “Sport & Philanthropy - The Value Of Giving Back.” At the Milken Institute Global Conference on April 27, Athletes for Hope founders and members including Tony Hawk, Mia Hamm and Annika Sorenstam will participate in a panel to reflect on the role that philanthropy has played in their lives and provide advice for athletes, leagues and companies interested in giving back to their communities.

“Our ultimate goal is to engage industry leaders and professional athletes in a dialogue about the value of sports philanthropy. Once you get athletes and sports leaders excited about philanthropy and allow them to see the impact that they can have within the community and within their organizations, it has a ripple effect throughout the entire industry,” said Ivan Blumberg, CEO of Athletes for Hope.

Since its inception in 2007, Athletes for Hope has quickly advanced to the forefront of sports philanthropy by educating athletes about philanthropic opportunities, connecting them with charities that best fit their passions, and recognizing their efforts to inspire others. In just over a year, nearly 500 athletes spanning over 50 professional and Olympic sports have joined forces with Athletes for Hope to get involved in philanthropy efforts on a local and national level. Athletes for Hope has completed over 200 matches between athletes and charities and has delivered its educational workshop to more than 240 professional athletes including members of the NBA, MLS, LPGA, ATP, WTA, NFLPA, AVP, and members of the US Olympic movement.