On March 8th, Athletes for Hope had the incredible opportunity to celebrate International Women’s Day in a truly unforgettable way—by bringing CHAMPS participants, teachers, and families from Greensboro, NC, to the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament with the support of ESPN Citizenship.
The day was packed with excitement and inspiration as students attended Fan Fest’s Chalk Talk, featuring insights from basketball legends Muffet McGraw and Ivory Latta. They not only got to witness high-energy matchups on the court but also experienced once-in-a-lifetime moments—participating in the high-five tunnel for UNC and NC State players, joining on-court games, and even helping with the t-shirt toss.
This event wasn’t just about basketball; it was about empowerment, representation, and recognizing the impact of women in sports and beyond. Thanks to ESPN Citizenship, students had the chance to be immersed in a space where they could see firsthand the strength and leadership of women at the highest level of competition.
“Thanks to Athletes for Hope, my kids got an experience today that they will never forget.” – Coach Mary Shelton, Huntsville Elementary School
A huge thank you to ESPN Citizenship for making this unforgettable day possible and to our CHAMPS participants for bringing their energy, excitement, and passion for sports. Here’s to continuing to uplift young athletes and future leaders!