olympic Archives - Athletes for Hope

Olympic Athlete Spotlight

Olympic Athlete Spotlight

Andrew Mackiewicz makes waves in mental health space

When Andrew Mackiewicz moved to New York City, he fulfilled a lifelong dream that he didn’t ever have the money to accomplish. The inner child from Boston who used to shop at T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s was now living in the Big Apple. 

“I always wanted to move to NYC and it’s a big commitment and challenge,” Mackiewicz said. “But I did it and I’m incredibly proud of it.”

Photo of Andrew Mackiewicz smiling in his Team USA Olympic gear.

The Olympic fencing saber first knew he had a platform for change when a close family friend lost their battle with cancer. After losing them, Mackiewicz knew he would do what he could to give back after their death. 

Today, he personally struggles to overcome issues with mental health. He knows what it is like to be in a battle with your own mind, but through his family and friend’s openness to sharing their struggles and the realization he has a platform, he perseveres. 

“[Mental health] is a continuous battle,” Mackiewicz said. “I realized many athletes and people in general are going through similar challenges. I hope to use my story to inspire others that any challenges can be won.”

The education component of his mission is crucial. He knows that having been in sport for 20 years he has insight and resources that could be useful to help the youth. 

The next generation of athletes will face similar problems regarding mental health, but Mackiewicz knows that he will do what he can to help them overcome their own battles. 

Photo of Andrew Mackiewicz during a fencing duel.

“It’s so important to help the younger generation and give them the resources to thrive,” he said. 

While at Penn State, Andrew was a key advocate for athlete wellbeing, and as a member of the school’s Student-Athlete Advisory Board, he helped run events to spread awareness. Whether it was creating field days for kids or building community in different ways, Andrew loved helping others. 

His advice to other athletes- just begin. 

“Just start somewhere,” he said. “Doesn’t have to be big.”

Photo of the back of Andrew Mackiewicz fencing uniform with the words "Mackiewicz" and "USA" visible in green,

The Olympic athlete knows that he will continue to do what he can to help while his platform is at its peak. Dreams should not be taken away because of mental health issues, and Andrew knows firsthand how difficult life can become. 

“I want to bring more awareness and resources around the topic of Mental Health,” he said. “I want to use my story to inspire others to go after their dreams.”

The little boy who dreamed of owning a pair of Jordans is proud of the man Andrew Mackiewicz has become. And it is only the beginning.

Olympians Get Austin Kids Moving

On March 9th, on the East side of Austin, 6 professional and Olympic athletes took time out of their busy schedules to visit Brooke Elementary, to encourage kids to exercise and stay active. Brooke Elementary is a neighborhood school where 96% of the student body qualifies for free or reduced lunch. It is also a community of kids and administrators who are trying new and innovative ideas to keep kids engaged and learning. With this in mind, we connected former WNT soccer star and Olympian Kristine Lilly, former NFL player Octavious Bishop, Olympic Decathlete Trey Hardee and Olympians Sanya Richards Ross, Kendra Chambers and Fiona Asigbee with the kids. First, the athletes stood up and shared a little about themselves. Octavious shared his struggle in academics as a child and how he was able to turn it around and earn his PHD. Trey Hardee talked about being cut from his basketball team, only to become a gold medal winning Olympian. Their inspirational stories were followed up with fun physical activities with the athletes. We truly enjoyed facilitating this athlete visit – the largest visit of this type we have ever coordinated. Hats off to Brooke Elementary students and administrators for making us feel so welcome.

austin lmas

 

Chris Waddell and Let’s Move Active Schools

AFH Athlete, Chris Waddell, participated in several Let’s Move events this month first as the keynote speaker for the Let’s Move! Active Schools general session at the 2016 SHAPE America Convention and Expo. Chris addressed a packed house of PE teachers and physical fitness advocates at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The crowd loved Chris’ core message: It’s not what happens to you. It’s what you do with what happens to you. Prior to Chris’ speech’, Chris was taped for the SHAPE America podcast that reaches thousands of other health and physical educators.

Chris found time to visit a Let’s Move Active Schools school during the conference. He shared his story and powerful message to approximately 100 students at Newport Elementary School. Chris motivated the kids to do well on their upcoming state tests.

We are grateful for Chris’ continued involvement in Athletes for Hope!

AFH CEO Presents Workshop to Olympians in Chula Vista

This past week, AFH CEO Ivan Blumberg traveled to Southern California to facilitate a Causeway workshop at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA. Olympic athletes from the U.S. Rowing, U.S. Rugby, and U.S. Archery teams participated in the workshop. During the workshop, the athletes explored important themes, such as the value of time versus money and whether athletes have an obligation to give back to their communities. The players also learned about each stop on the Causeway map, which guides athletes in their philanthropic involvement.

Over 40 athletes signed up as AFH members and we look forward to helping them further their charitable passions in the community!