From camps to community outreach, AFH U student-athletes brought joy and inspiration to youth this summer
As the summer sun begins to set, Athletes for Hope is reflecting on the incredible impact our student-athletes have made in their communities. From Baton Rouge to Washington D.C., this season was filled with unforgettable moments of service, unity, and fun.
Honoring Juneteenth Through Service
On June 19th (Juneteenth), Southern Football participated in a Walls Project Juneteenth initiative at Banks Community Garden. Athletes painted murals and assisted with gardening, further demonstrating their commitment to community service.
July Highlights: Playing with Purpose
In July, our student-athletes from LSU and Southern University teamed up to make a difference at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. They volunteered at a camp for children living with asthma, showing not just athleticism but heart, helping these young warriors build confidence through play and education.
Geaux Day 2024: A Field Day for the Ages
Geaux Day 2024 was all about unity and excitement. LSU and Southern athletes came together to host a memorable field day for Baton Rouge youth, where kids learned new sports, interacted with their hometown heroes, and created lasting memories. From basketball drills to soccer games, our athletes—like Sam Gaylor from LSU Men’s Basketball and Sydney Bellamy from SU Women’s Soccer—shared their passion and skills, leaving an indelible mark on the community.
August Adventures: Connecting with Local Schools
August continued the momentum! LSU Volleyball brought their energy to the Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts (BRCVPA), where they spent time inspiring young students. Southern Women’s Soccer took their talents to the Baton Rouge Foreign Language Academic Immersion Magnet (FLAIM) for a school visit filled with learning and fun.
Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., we officially kicked off our partnership with American University (AU). AU Men’s Basketball hosted a workshop on August 6, followed by AU Women’s Soccer on August 23.
Our student-athletes have made this summer one to remember, fostering joy, learning, and unity every step of the way. We can’t wait to continue making an impact together.
To learn more about the AFH University program, please visit our program page.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Bella Vargas at bvargas@athletesforhope.org.
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About Athletes for Hope
Founded by Muhammad Ali, Andre Agassi, Mia Hamm, and nine other elite athletes in 2006, Athletes for Hope (AFH) is a national non-profit that educates, encourages, and empowers athletes to find their passions and use their time to positively engage with their communities. Over the past 18 years, AFH has educated more than 12,000 professional, Olympic, Paralympic, and collegiate athletes through its Causeway workshop series, and helped athletes volunteer with hundreds of underserved schools and impactful community organizations. Through their dedication and passion for doing good, AFH athletes have positively impacted the lives of millions around the world.