Athletes in the Community Archives - Page 5 of 15 - Athletes for Hope

AFH News

AFH News

What We’re Reading

September 16 – September 29, 2023

Every day, athletes all over the world are doing incredible work in their communities by giving back, creating opportunities for those less fortunate, and making connections that will last a lifetime.

There is so much good going on in the sports community! From golfers giving back to the Boys & Girls Club, shining a light on suicide prevention, women’s representation in sport, and more, here are five articles the AFH team has read over the past few weeks that you may have missed.

“While other people leverage their brand image for extraordinary purposes, America’s favorite sister duo, Nelly and Jessica Korda, have come up with a collaboration to help young people.”


Read the full article on essentiallysports.com.

“On the 50th anniversary of that match against Bobby Riggs — still the most-watched in tennis history — King will move toward becoming the first female individual athlete to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.”


Read the full article on espn.com.

“The five women got together earlier this month in between meetings at the Murr Center to discuss their paths to Harvard, coaching philosophies and goals, issues facing women athletes today, Title IX’s legacy, and sports as a catalyst for social change.”


Read the full article on news.harvard.edu.

“This September, the Sean Locke 24 Foundation was the recent beneficiary of additional financial resources thanks to a grant from University of Delaware senior volleyball student-athlete Savannah Seemans and the Gatorade Play It Forward program.”


Read the full article at caasports.com.

“However, success was anything but a given for Petecio. Failure to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games followed by failure to medal at the 2018 Asian Games combined with a difficult breakup outside of the ring led to a seven-month spell battling anxiety and depression.”


Read the full article on olympics.com.

AFH News

What We’re Reading

September 1 – September 15, 2023

Every day, athletes all over the world are doing incredible work in their communities by giving back, creating opportunities for those less fortunate, and making connections that will last a lifetime.

There is so much good going on in the sports community! Here are five articles the AFH team has read over the past few weeks that you may have missed.

“Wednesday’s gathering, which also included Michael Phelps, a 23-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer, and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, touched on topics such as loneliness, connecting with others via a “buddy system,” the role of social media in mental health struggles and parenting.”


Read the full article on apnews.com.

“Throughout September, Suicide Prevention Month, Robinson and the Giants Mental Health & Wellness team, with support from the Giants organization and its minor league affiliates, will increase visibility and awareness of the 988 Lifeline to bring mental health conversations to the field so that athletes, fans, staff and the MLB community are made aware of available resources.”


Read the full article on prnewswire.com.

“Inspired by her mentors and friends while wanting to play a larger part in her own community, Ionescu launched the SI20 Foundation to “equip youth from all backgrounds and skill levels with equitable access to sports to create genuine connections and build stronger communities for life.”


Read the full article on forbes.com.

“Christy Gardner followed a different path to business success than many athletes. A retired Army Sergeant who served with the United States Army Military Police in Asia, she used her life experience to create multiple non-profit organizations that serve the communities she is a part of.”


Read the full article on si.com.

“Now Popal is on another mission, one that reached its height at this summer’s Women’s World Cup. She is trying to convince FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, to let players on the Afghan women’s national team represent their country again after the Taliban barred girls and women from playing sports.”


Read the full article on nytimes.com.

Athletes In Action

Athletes for Hope 9/11 Day of Service Grant Projects

Since April, Athletes for Hope has engaged 150+ community members in more than 500 hours of service thanks to a 9/11 Day of Service grant period provided to them by The Arc and AmeriCorps.

This year, Athletes for Hope’s 9/11 activities focused on emergency preparedness, developing and implementing solutions that ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to receive the help they need should calamity strike.

As we pause to reflect on the 22 years since the 9/11 attacks, we remember those whom we have lost and the heroes who selflessly risked their lives for the safety of others. To honor them, we are proud to share the three major community service projects AFH Athletes and other members of the Baton Rouge community have engaged in over the past 6 months.

Progress Elementary

On April 21, 2023, Athletes for Hope’s Southern Sports Philanthropy Certificate Program (SPCP) engaged over 100 students at Progress Elementary in Baton Rouge at an inclusive field day that promoted physical activity, provided fire safety, and encouraged fun learning ahead of Louisiana Leap testing.

With over 25 volunteers from Southern University Athletics, the Baton Rouge Fire Department, ASL On The Bluff, and the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Athletes for Hope was able to increase community safety, preparedness, and resilience in case of a disaster. 

LA Key Academy

On Thursday, May 25, 2023, Athletes for Hope facilitated its second inclusive 9/11 emergency preparedness event at Louisiana Key Academy. Our annual field day brought out over 30 volunteers consisting of student-athletes from Southern University, SU Volunteers, Southern University chapter of The NAACP, and The Arc of Baton Rouge.

Volunteers assisted with inflatables, various sports stations, and fire safety activities. Students were excited to tour a fire truck, honk the truck horn, and learn about the firefighter uniform and tools with the Baton Rouge Fire Department and the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency team shared tips on how to prepare and evacuate in the case of an emergency. After learning about emergency preparedness, students were able to participate in various sports stations, play on inflatables, and practice fire safety.

Community Day

On September 11, 2023, Athletes for Hope commemorated the 22nd anniversary of 9/11 with a community day of arts and unity. The Arc of Baton Rouge, the Baton Rouge Fire Department, student-athletes from LSU and Southern University, and other community leaders participated in various stations including canvas painting, letter writing to all who serve through Operation Gratitude, and created handmade beaded jewelry. 


The St. George Fire Department led a tour of the fire truck and shared important emergency preparedness tips with all community day participants. After learning new safety tools, activity books and hats donated by the fire department were distributed along with collateral from the Red Cross.

At the end of the community day, local heroes from the Baton Rouge community were honored for their commitment to service in the community. Athletes for Hope gives a special thank you to the following community heroes who are making a positive impact in their community; The Arc Baton Rouge Board of Directors President, Al Thibodaux, Sheriff Timothy Johnson, Nurse Anastasia Montgomery, Deborah Lee, Captain Todd Perez, St. George Fire Department, Firefighter Brian Roussel, and Firefighter Brent Bravata.

AFH Community Hero

From competing on ice to community impact

When bobsledder Lauren Brzozowski puts on the red, white, and blue, she realizes that the opportunity she has is not to be taken for granted. In fact, she does not think she is only representing what her nation stands for, but the people within it. 

This realization is a driving force in Lauren’s Olympic aspirations, but also her philanthropic work away from the ice track. Through Lauren Brzozowski’s work with Embrace Relief, she has been able to help countless lives. It is for these reasons and more that she is Athletes for Hope’s September Community Hero of the Month. 

Lauren Brzozowski speaking before an Embrace Relief 5k walkathon event.

“The main thing I work with [Embrace Relief] on is the 5K walkathon where we try to raise money to rebuild 250 wells in various parts of Africa,” Lauren said. 

She has served as an ambassador and honored guest at the walkathon for the past two years to support Fountains of Hope and the Clean Water Initiative. 

Her social media presence, where she has over 70,000 followers on TikTok and over 15,000 followers on Instagram, has also allowed her to make an impact. She posts personable videos and photos on both platforms and always promotes her charitable work as well. 

“The greatest thing about working with Embrace Relief and my time with Athletes for Hope is that being an athlete, I firmly believe that it’s important to give back to your community whether it’s the one that you live in or on the other side of the world,” Lauren said. 

This hunger to give back and inspire others has helped Lauren equip herself with the tools to make a difference. The Clean Water Initiative may be an internationally focused program, but Lauren’s empathy expands beyond the country she represents. 

Lauren Brzozowski being interviewed during an Embrace Relief 5k walkathon event.

Lauren understands that while she does travel a lot and is oftentimes working, she can still make time to connect with communities and people in need. Virtually or in-person, she is dedicated to helping others with hands-on work or moral action. 

“You can see the impact of your actions in real-time,” Lauren said about the walkathon and other events. 

Lauren was once in a gray area athletically, unsure of whether or not she could pursue track and field beyond the collegiate level. She took a risk in transitioning to bobsled and has since become a face of the sport. 

Lauren Brzozowski bobsledding at training in Lake Placid.

Speaking to high schools and individual athletes, Lauren continues to help motivate the next generation of performers in sport. Team USA Bobsled makes it a point to do charitable work, and Lauren is as eager as ever to contribute to the betterment of society. 

“Understanding what people go through, getting a new perspective on people that you can help in your life,” Lauren said. “I think what [Athletes for Hope] does for communities is amazing.”

She has met many people over the years, from the underprivileged to fellow athletes, to kids, and through each meeting Lauren has learned a lesson. 

But one lesson reigns true above them all.

“Never give up, because you never know who you can inspire,” she said. 

Photo of Lauren Brzozowski smiling softly in her USA bobsled uniform.

AFH News

What We’re Reading

August 19 – August 31, 2023

Every day, athletes all over the world are doing incredible work in their communities by giving back, creating opportunities for those less fortunate, and making connections that will last a lifetime.

From athletes coming together to support Maui and its citizens, tackling food insecurity, raising money for Ukraine, and supporting women’s sports, there is so much good going on in the sports community! Here are five articles the AFH team has read over the past two weeks that you may have missed.

“The University of Kansas men’s basketball team will travel to Champaign, Illinois for a televised charity exhibition game in which all proceeds will go towards relief efforts from the Maui wildfires.”


Read the full article on sports.yahoo.com.

“The Clippers’ season-opening trip to Hawaii in October for training camp will end with a preseason game that will double as a benefit for the state’s recovery from wildfires.”


Read the full article on bleacherreport.com.

“The Muggsy Bogues Family Foundation is distributing food to families in areas that are often underserved, and it provides access to education and job skills.”


Read the full article on wsoctv.com.

“NBA star Jimmy Butler took a swing at another sport Wednesday night, dressing just like a member of the ball crew at the U.S. Open to perform those duties and picking up a racket to play with Frances Tiafoe, Carlos Alcaraz and Sebastián Yatra at a charity event that raised $320,000 for humanitarian relief in Ukraine.”


Read the full article on foxnews.com.

“Laila Ali’s journey is one that inspires many women who wish to transgress the norms. A true spirit of humanity she has further redefined the way one looks at their journey in public life.”


Read the full article on essentiallysports.com.

AFH News

What We’re Reading

August 3 – August 18, 2023

Every day, athletes all over the world are doing incredible work in their communities by giving back, creating opportunities for those less fortunate, and making connections that will last a lifetime.

From athletes coming together to support Maui and its citizens, back-to-school supply giveaways, and improving children’s health through physical fitness, there is so much good going on in the sports community! Here are five articles the AFH team has read over the past two weeks that you may have missed.

“University of Hawai’i Athletics sends our condolences and prayers to all of those affected by the wildfires on Maui.”

Read the full article on hawaiiathletics.com..

“Robinson held a back-to-school drive at the church, giving away 100 backpacks to kids. He handed out a rainbow of brightly colored backpacks, pausing occasionally for photos with those who stopped by.”


Read the full article on stltoday.com.

“Macfarlane is one of several current and former professional athletes from Hawaii, or who have ties to the state, who are helping those affected by the Maui fire.”


Read the full article on staradvertiser.com.

“In the wake of the Maui wildfires, our community needs us more than ever,” Tagovailoa said on the fundraiser’s homepage. “With the strength of our ‘Ohana’ and the deep-rooted values of Aloha, let’s lend a helping hand to those in need. Stand with me in showing the Aloha spirit is unbreakable.”


Read the full article on latimes.com.

“Road Runner Sports will significantly expand PHIT America’s programs in U.S. schools by becoming the Presenting Sponsor of PHIT America’s AMPED running/walking fitness program.”


Read the full article on prnewswire.com.