Athletes for Hope (AFH) is excited to announce that it has received a grant from ESPN to support its CHAMPS (formerly AFH Fit) program, which empowers youth through the transformative power of sports. This funding will allow AFH to expand CHAMPS’ reach, providing more underserved schools – with a focus on classrooms for grades 2 through 5 – across the U.S. with tools to improve students’ mental and physical well-being.
The CHAMPS program stands out by having professional, Olympic, Paralympic, and college athletes lead sessions, with classroom teachers supporting their efforts. This athlete-led model inspires students by giving them direct access to mentors who exemplify the values promoted through the program. Young people are more likely to internalize key lessons—such as resilience and healthy habits—when delivered by athletes, whose presence motivates them to be their best selves, both in the classroom and in life.
“We are deeply grateful to ESPN for investing in the health and future of our nation’s youth,” said Jason Belinkie, CEO of Athletes for Hope. “With this support, we can expand the impact of CHAMPS and ensure that more students, especially in underserved communities, experience the mental health benefits of sports and build lifelong habits that promote well-being. Our athlete facilitators are role models for these kids, and their connection makes it more likely that these lessons will stick, helping them thrive in and beyond the classroom.”
CHAMPS addresses the growing mental health crisis among children by combining sports, mentorship, and a structured curriculum focused on mental and physical health. At a time when only 24% of children aged 6 to 17 engage in 60 minutes of daily physical activity and youth sports participation has declined, CHAMPS plays a critical role in reversing these trends.
Each session revolves around core values—Courage, Honesty, Accountability, Mindfulness, Positivity, and Strength—that foster leadership, well-being, and resilience. Teachers partner with athletes to enhance the experience, using CHAMPS workbooks and guides to create safe spaces for conversation and peer connection while reinforcing the link between mind and body health.
ESPN’s focus on empowering today’s youth through sports and improving mental health—particularly in underserved communities—aligns perfectly with CHAMPS’ mission. This grant will help reach more students across the country, providing them with essential tools to lead healthier, more balanced lives.
“ESPN believes sport has the ability to transform lives, and we are proud to partner with Athletes for Hope through its CHAMPS program to support young people,” said Kevin Martinez, vice president of ESPN Corporate Citizenship. “Together, ESPN and Athletes for Hope are aiming to make a meaningful difference for these youth, especially those in underserved communities where access to mental health resources can be limited.”
Since its launch in 2014, CHAMPS has grown to impact more than 200,000 youth monthly across over 900 schools nationwide. With this new support from ESPN, AFH will continue empowering the next generation of leaders through sports and mental health education.
About Athletes for Hope
Founded in 2006 by Muhammad Ali, Andre Agassi, Mia Hamm, and nine other elite athletes, Athletes for Hope (AFH) is a national nonprofit that empowers athletes to engage with their communities. In 2024, AFH launched the Athlete Leadership Council featuring Stephen Curry, Katie Ledecky, Nathan Chen, and Elena Delle Donne to carry forward the Founders’ legacy. Over the past 18 years, AFH has educated more than 12,000 athletes through its Causeway workshops and connected them with underserved schools and community organizations. AFH’s core programs promote mental health, physical activity, and leadership, positively impacting millions of lives worldwide.
About ESPN Corporate Citizenship
ESPN believes that, at its very best, sports uplift the human spirit. Its corporate citizenship programs use power of sport to positively address society’s needs through strategic community investments, cause marketing programs, collaboration with sports organizations and employee volunteerism, while also utilizing its diverse media assets. For more information go to www.espn.com/citizenship.