At Athletes for Hope, we believe in the power of sports to unite and inspire people from all walks of life. This July, we are proud to spotlight the incredible work AFH Athletes have done to share their stories, uplift others with disabilities and support all athletes in their efforts to make the world a more inclusive place for the disability community. From community outreach initiatives to partnerships with organizations dedicated to inclusivity, AFH’s journey has been filled with inspiring stories and impactful projects. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive look at the many ways AFH and our athletes have championed inclusion over the years. Join us in honoring their resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit!
Adaptive Ally Toolkit
This toolkit was created for athletes beginning their work in disability-focused spaces. Many of our athletes have an interest in working with kids, teens or adults with special needs, but don’t always know where to start.
Disability Advocacy & Mental Health Discussion
AFH Chief Wellbeing Officer Suzanne Potts is joined by Paralympian Jenny Sichel, Paralympian Jaleen Roberts, and adaptive athlete Meredyth Mason to discuss disability advocacy and mental health in the sports space.
Managing Mental Health in Parasports
Whole Being Athlete Ambassadors Jenny Sichel, Isaac Jean-Paul, and Lacey Henderson are joined by Paralympic Athlete Emily Shryock* to discuss the importance of mental health in Parasports.
*Photo of Emily Shyrock credit to Amna Ijaz
Spotlight on Paralympian Katie Walker
Katie Walker discovered the Paralympic Movement in 2013, competing in Para track & field from 2013-2016. In 2020, she found her passion for indoor cycling, making the U.S. Paralympic Cycling Team in 2022. Katie has been an AFH Athlete since 2021 and is passionate about representation in sports.
In Her Own Words: Spotlight on Paralympian Lacey Henderson
Lacey Henderson is a 2016 Rio Paralympian, a 7-time US Long Jump Champion, American record holder and 2019 Para Pan American silver medalist. She was a Division I cheerleader at the University of Denver and found herself on the track learning about Para sport as she was graduating undergrad. She became one of the only amputees in the world to pole vault, resulting in a world record and a fruitful career in para-athletics. She has worked with AFH for many years and in 2022, became a Whole Being Athlete Ambassador for AFH.
Spotlight on Paralympian Abby Dunkin
Abby Dunkin illuminates the power of inclusivity, with a desire to raise awareness around mental health, LGBTQ+ rights and adaptive sports.
USA Bobsled/Skeleton Team Service Day with Dream on 3
Athletes for Hope hosted the USA Bobsled/Skeleton team in Charlotte, NC, for a workshop and three service events, including an event with Dream on 3, a nonprofit that makes sports-themed “dreams” come true for kids and young adults who are living with life-altering conditions including those with mental health challenges and intellectual disabilities.
AFH University Baton Rouge and The Miracle League
For many years, AFH has connected student-athletes from LSU and Southern University in Baton Rouge with The Miracle League, a nonprofit organization that “removes the barriers that keep children with mental and physical disabilities off the baseball field and lets them experience the joy of America’s favorite pastime.”
Paralympian Lacey Henderson’s Adaptive Dream Day with Dream on 3
In this special edition of our AFH Athlete Spotlight series, learn more about Paralympian Lacey Henderson and her Adaptive Ski Dream Day with Dream on 3.
Looking Beyond July’s Pride Disability Month
We know it’s cliché but it’s true, taking pride in disabilities and inclusion doesn’t stop in July! To support the community, be sure to check out the 2024 Paralympic Games on Paris from August 28 to September 8 and follow along on social media. Also be sure to learn more about and support some of AFH’s inclusion partners like Dream on 3, The Miracle League, Special Olympics, The Arc and KEEN Los Angeles.
Here’s to disability pride all year long!