Athletes in the Community Archives - Page 7 of 16

Athletes in Action

Posted: July 27, 2023 Updated: July 27, 2023 by Hannah Bronkema

AFH University Summer Roundup

Developed in 2013, our AFH University program helps college athletes explore leadership, life skill development, advocacy, their role in the community, and how to discover their philanthropic passions.

Over the summer AFH student-athletes went above and beyond the call of service as they made a positive impact in their hometowns and university neighborhoods.

Athletes from Howard, Georgetown, Davidson, Southern, Clark Atlanta, and LSU visited children’s hospitals, engaged in community events, and more!

May 2023

Children’s Wisconsin

Howard University football player, Gerone Hamilton Jr. participated in a virtual hospital visit with Children’s Wisconsin Hospital. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the activity included BINGO with coping skills.

Gerone was very personable and caring in his interaction with the kids and shared his own experiences as well as asked the kids great questions.

LA Key Academy & Arc of Baton Rouge

On Thursday, May 25th Athletes for Hope facilitated our second inclusive 9/11 emergency preparedness event at Louisiana Key Academy. Our annual field day brought out over 30 volunteers consisting of student-athletes, SU Volunteers, the 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.

The Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency team shared tips on how to prepare and evacuate in the case of an emergency. The MOHSE team brought a firehouse simulation which prompted students to put their new skills to use.

Participants from LA Key Academy smiling for a photo together.

Baton Rouge Fire Department crew member stands in front of the Ready Rangers mobile as he speaks to field day participants.

June 2023

Boys and Girls Club of Arizona

Clark Atlanta University basketball player Zion Walters smiles with other volunteers in front of a Main Event sign.

Clark Atlanta women’s basketball player Zion Walters accompanied all of the Boys and Girls Clubs in the West Valley on a field trip to Main Event in Avondale for the day.

“When we arrived, I began helping with lunch. Me and other volunteers served pizza to all of the kids from 9:45 until 12:45. We served over 240 slices of pizza, and still had more for seconds and thirds. I met some amazing people and made great memories.”
-Zion Walters, Clark Atlanta Women’s Basketball

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital

Southern University football players made a visit to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital and facilitated a spin-the-wheel trivia game for hospital patients.

“It was an amazing and fun experience. I was able to learn some new things while having a great day of trivia with the kids. I can’t wait to come back.”
-Robens Beauplan, Southern Football Punter

Southern football players smile for a photo before they began a game of spin-the-wheel trivia at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital.

July 2023

Voice in Sports Foundation

Female student-athletes from Georgetown University smile for a photo with Senator Chris Murphy.

Student-athletes from Georgetown University, along with other female student-athletes and administrators from across the country, met at Capitol Hill and partnered with the Voice in Sport Foundation to receive educational Title IX training, learn about the Fair Play Act, and meet with the sponsor of the bill, Senator Chris Murphy.

Women were able to hear from the senator and ask him questions on how we can better advocate and make change as female athletes.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Charlotte

Davidson college football put on a two-hour football clinic with the kids of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Charlotte. They spent their time teaching the kids new skills and the importance of teamwork and leadership.

Members of the Davison football team pose for a photo with participants of the football clinic.

Geaux Day

Teams from Southern and LSU volunteered at Geaux Day on Wednesday, July 26th. This annual collaborative field day attracted over 200 kids for a day of modified sports on LSU’s campus.

The youth had the opportunity to visit sports stations, learn more about LSU and Southern Athletics, and observe a football practice followed by a meet & greet.

“I served today because I really enjoy being around the kids as a college athlete. I feel like it gives them the idea that they also can do the same thing. Seeing their faces light up when they accomplish something makes me happy”.
– Paris Washington, Southern Tennis

photo of LSU student-athlete high-fiving one of the Beaux Day participants after a drill. — Photos by Dylan Boral and Sean Cripple.

Student-athletes and Beaux Day participants line up on the LSU football field before breaking into their groups. — Photos by Dylan Boral and Sean Cripple.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Phoenix

Clark Atlanta basketball player Zion Walters poses with peace signs in the dance studio with clinic participants from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Phoenix.

Zion Walters from Clark Atlanta Women’s Basketball spent a week running a dance clinic at the Boys & Girls Club.

At the end of the clinic, the children performed the dance they learned for the faculty and other kids at the club.

As the summer months come to an end and our student-athletes gear up for another great semester, we couldn’t be more proud of their continued dedication to serving their communities and are excited to see all of the good they accomplish together this fall.

AFH News

Posted: July 21, 2023 Updated: July 21, 2023 by Hannah Bronkema

What We’re Reading

July 1- 19, 2023

During the month of July, the AFH team has been focused on celebrating Disability Pride Month with our AFH Athletes and community partners. Celebrate with us by reading five articles the AFH team has read over the past two weeks that you may have missed.

“Jade Edward, who was the youngest ever female athlete at the International Surfing Association Para World Championships in California, has taken on a new role as an ambassador for a new inland surfing destination.”

Read the full article on scotsman.com

“‘I want to help change the narrative around disabilities — they’re not negative or bad, they’re something that can add value to someone’s life and can help them move forward in a positive direction,’ Callahan said.”

Read the full article on sportsbusinessjournal.com

“For many local spectators, the 10-day event opened the door to the attractions of Para sport, about 13 months before the opening of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.”

Read the full article on paralympic.org

“This pioneering partnership sees more than 30 people who access care and support across Greater Manchester enjoy unique personal development opportunities inspired by the event.”

Read the full article on charitytoday.co.uk

“Valenzuela is a co-founder of a charity called Alexis For Autism, named for her younger brother and frequent caddie. The organization raises funds to support medical research and resources to support the needs of individuals with autism.”

Read the full article on golfdigest.com

AFH Spotlight

Posted: July 20, 2023 Updated: July 20, 2023 by Hannah Bronkema

Athletes for Hope and USWNT’s Long History

Athletes for Hope (AFH) has a history of working alongside top leagues, programs, and teams throughout the country and beyond, but not many compare to the extensive work AFH has done with the United States Women’s National Team.

AFH Founding Athlete Mia Hamm helped revolutionize American soccer as a player and continued her legacy off the field by creating foundations and supporting Athletes for Hope from the very beginning.

It was through her leadership that the AFH and USWNT relationship bloomed over the past 17 years. From the intersection of sports to a wide variety of philanthropic causes, this partnership demonstrates the power of sports in the non-profit space.

As a current USWNT star, Alyssa Naeher has been a tremendous help in keeping Mia Hamm’s visions blossoming at AFH. Naeher epitomizes the AFH mission and spirit and will attend her third World Cup this season as the USWNT’s goalkeeper.

Retired soccer Hall of Famer Julie Foudy, an original board member at AFH, also represents a facet of the organization’s work with the USWNT.

Foudy has been crucial to the development of Athletes for Hope and continues to provide beneficial insight while working as a soccer analyst and leader in the philanthropy field.

Photo of AFH Board Member Julie Foudy smiling while holding an ESPN microphone

As the United States prepares to secure a third consecutive World Cup title, Athletes for Hope takes a look back at the ways we have worked alongside the USWNT.

In 2011, former USWNT player Carin Gabarra participated in AFH’s Hope for the Holidays campaign. Gabarra visited the Annapolis Boys and Girls Club to send letters to troops for the holidays.

Gabarra, who retired with more than 100 USWNT appearances, now serves as the coach of the United States Naval Academy Women’s Soccer team. She continues to work alongside AFH as a key contributor to our work in the soccer community and beyond.

In 2012, Gabarra and former USWNT star Heather O’Reilly participated in AFHs 9-11 Week of Service. Gabarra led the United States Women’s Navy Soccer team to help the Annapolis Boys and Girls Club while O’Reilly spoke to kids from ages 6-13 at the Wang YMCA in Boston.

O’Reilly won three Olympic gold medals and one World Cup with the USWNT.

Photo of Carli Lloyd smiling with a Children's Miracle Network sticker on her hand.

In 2014, USWNT star Carli Lloyd supported AFH’s #unselfie campaign to show support for local organizations in remembrance of the September 11th attacks in 2001. These photos amplified the work our athletes support, and Lloyd has participated in our Hospital Heroes program via children’s hospital visits to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Lloyd spent 17 years on the USWNT prior to 2021 and is one of four players with more than 300 career appearances.

In 2018, Megan Rapinoe and MENTOR partnered with Athletes for Hope to highlight the power of positive relationships in the lives of young athletes. An iconic USWNT athlete, Rapinoe noted the importance of mentoring the next generation while promoting the mission alongside more than 25 AFH athletes.

Rapinoe will be playing in her fourth World Cup for the USWNT this summer.

That same year, former USWNT player Shannon Boxx visited West Tualatin Elementary School in collaboration with AFH Fit and Marathon Kids to hold running sessions for three months straight. Boxx is another one of AFH’s premier contributors, helping with the Mental Health Champions Club and beyond.

Photo of Shannon Boxx with kids during a soccer clinic

In 2019, AFH co-hosted an Equality Summit in France to speak out on gender equality issues. Alongside Equal Playing Field and Football Women International, AFH board member Julie Foudy and ambassador Kristine Lilly kicked off a discussion between more than 150 thought leaders in the space.

Foudy and Lilly, members of the USWNT’s 1999 World Cup winning squad, are still active advocates of gender equality. The summit was a monumental event for the progress of female athletes in sport, and they work alongside AFH to promote these topics and more to this day.

Photo of Dr. Rachel Buehler Van Hollebeke during an Instagram Live discussion surrounding the importance of vaccines.

In 2021, former USWNT athlete Dr. Rachel Buehler Van Hollebeke teamed up with AFH and retired WNBA player Carolyn Swords as a part of HHS’ We Can Do This campaign. Buehler led an Instagram Live discussion surrounding the importance of vaccines to keep Americans safe.

Buehler, a former United States Olympian, became a doctor who helped on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From Abby Wambach to Heather Mitts to Ali Krieger and their generous contributions, the bond between AFH and the USWNT stems beyond a mere temporary partnership, but a cultivated relationship through which many soccer stars have given time and resources towards helping the Athletes for Hope mission.

To this day, the relationship forges on as AFH and the USWNT come together to positively impact the world around them.

Athletes for Hope wishes the United States Women’s National Team luck this summer while supporting the women that consistently continue to redefine the status quo.

Olympic Athlete Spotlight

Posted: July 12, 2023 Updated: July 12, 2023 by Hannah Bronkema

Staying true to himself through the “noise”

As Andrew Blaser prepared for his first Olympics in 2022, he knew he had a platform to represent the LGBTQ+ community on the world’s biggest stage. The Team USA Skeleton athlete has dealt with the trials and tribulations elite athletes face, helping him develop trust and tenacity along with learning how to cope with anxiety and fears.

Blaser could be seen with a rainbow-taped saddle on his sled in Beijing that year, not as a political statement, but as a personal keepsake to hold onto during a daunting moment.

“I had this tape that my teammates had purchased for me and I remember thinking that it was bright and happy and fun and would remind me that I hadn’t lost myself in all of the ‘noise’ going into the Olympics,” Blaser said.

Andrew Blaser is a big believer in agency and autonomy, two attributes that allow him to accept his differences and fully enjoy his inalienable rights.

The Boise, Idaho native grew up playing multiple sports from football, basketball, and track and field to cheerleading and ballet, where he excelled at each. Being a member of the LGBTQ+ community is only one aspect of Blaser’s world-class career in sport thus far. However, his position as an athlete has given him a voice to help promote a sense of camaraderie for all.

“I believe that Pride is about supporting each other and forming a community that feels safe,” Blaser said. “Everyone should have the right to feel safe and everyone should have the right to feel seen as they truly are.”

He could not have reached this point without the “teachers” in his life, though.

A supportive family of parents and siblings reminds Blaser that he is “capable of anything that [he] chooses to be capable of,” while friends have “literally walked around with [his] face on their shirts.”

The Olympic lifestyle is not for everyone, and various jobs held onto Blaser’s position for weeks at a time as he trained and competed. Meanwhile, coaches like Bryan Stith, Yogi Teevens, Wayne Phipps, and Brandon Siakel have allowed him to grow as a competitor.

He even had a friend who donated $15,000 dollars to his sliding while also providing a shoulder to cry on.

“I can’t even count the number of people who have helped me and loved me on this journey both in coming out and in sport,” Blaser said.

This support system is part of the reason Blaser gives back today. Pride is not just a one-month thing or a parade, but a daily acceptance of others.

“Supporting your LGBTQ+ friends and family should be an everyday stance,” Blaser said. “I think we have the ability to educate and to influence people to form more positive thoughts daily.”

Whether it is the Human Rights Campaign, Outsports.com or any organization fighting for equal rights on a daily basis, Blaser is committed to fighting for progress and equality.

“I just come from a sports background and I think that just being able to tell our stories in a public space is a great opportunity to self-educate and to develop questions and to learn,” Blaser said.

As Blaser and Team USA train for their next Olympics, the marriage between art and athletics remains a pivotal key to the Skeleton athlete’s success. Ballet events, high school meets, conference championships, and North American cups were all moments that helped Blaser find confidence in his abilities.

Yet it is the people he continues to touch inside and outside of sport that has made Andrew Blaser an important figure in the fight for equality.

“I would like to see it highlighted how far we are from equality,” he said. “Equality doesn’t happen just by passing a law that allows LGBTQ+ individuals to marry but it happens when we are seen as less than in the eyes of the general public or the politicians who are working against our right to exist freely.”

As Andrew Blaser heads down his next frozen track, he slides with ultimate freedom, confidence, and awareness. With eyes on the world-class athlete, he hopes freedom can exist in all facets of life, helping those who are different truly learn to love themselves.

AFH News

Posted: July 7, 2023 Updated: July 7, 2023 by Hannah Bronkema

What We’re Reading

June 17 – July 7

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. Here are five articles the AFH team have read over the past few weeks that you may have missed.

“The film festival will spotlight creators who ‘inspire the athlete mindset and ignite change through compelling stories,’ per the event’s website.”

Read the full article on si.com.

“Biles has taken most of the last two years off following her eventful stay in Japan in the summer of 2021, where her decision to remove herself from multiple events to focus on her mental health shifted the focus from the games themselves to the overall wellness of the athletes.”

Read the full article on apnews.com.

“Established in 2022, Gatorade made a multi-year $10M commitment to partner with organizations nationwide to help break down barriers to allow all athletes the opportunity to play through programming, resources, and training.”

Read the full article on littleleague.org.

“I would love every person with a disability to be proud of who they are and that they have their own unique goals, talents, skills, and ability to keep learning. I know that I am.”

Read the full article on nyrr.org.

“Charles Barkley has made a very specific amendment to his will following the Supreme Court’s decision to outlaw affirmative action in college admissions.”

Read the full article on foxnews.com.

What We’re Reading

Posted: June 23, 2023 Updated: June 27, 2023 by Hannah Bronkema

June 1-16, 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. Here are five articles the AFH team read throughout the first two weeks of June that you may have missed.

“U.S. hockey legend Hilary Knight is the first recipient of the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Female Player of the Year award.”

Read the full article on espn.com.

“This is an incredible opportunity to champion these athletes who have put in the time, celebrate their success, and give them a great opportunity to continue to move forward,” Skandera said.

Read the full article on gazette.com.

“My little family is beyond grateful to everyone who has made a donation,” she wrote Sunday. “You can’t imagine how grateful I am and how grateful Eric would be to see this support.”

Read the full article on bleacherreport.com.

“I’m super glad to have had that opportunity to compete at that high level and hopefully in the next few years, we get enough people to have a full heat,” said Bennett.

Read the full article on uppermichigansource.com.

“Watt won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2017 by raising $41.6 million for the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, which was distributed to eight nonprofits to aid the Houston community amid the damage created by Hurricane Harvey.”

Read the full article on espn.com.