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 has read this week that you may have missed.
“Whether it is issues related to representation, visibility, support or salaries, imbalances still exist between men and women in society. And sport is no exception.”
“Joining the Para alpine skiing circuit nine years ago, Saori Ishii quickly got used to being one of a few female coaches at competitions. At team captain meetings held a day before major races, she would sometimes be the only one in the room.”
“Ultimately, the hope is that Nala will boost the safe participation of women in all facets of athletics, increasing representation when it comes to things like coaches and agents.”
“While Pipper and Rjumina’s message is that any woman can be as strong as the strongest Para powerlifter, they also want women to know that shedding a few tears is perfectly fine too – especially if you are watching your daughter bench press her personal best.”
“To celebrate International Women’s Day, Hockey Canada has collaborated with some of the most successful women in the game to answer one question: Why is it important to see women in influential positions in the game?”
Each month AFH Athletes are connected to schools and after-school programs where they teach the next generation critical leadership skills through our C.H.A.M.P.S Curriculum and the importance of living an active lifestyle during an in-person or vritual visit.
February’s word of the month was mindfulness. Our AFH Fit partners across the country learned how to be aware of their thoughts, feelings, and the people around them.
Our student-athletes and professional athletes had so much fun this month educating and engaing with their classes!
Los Amigos Elementary School
A team of six student-athletes led by Brandon Bounds from the University of Arizona Track and Field team visited Los Amigos Elementary School for an in-person AFH Fit Visit! The visit included an interactive discussion about courage as well as games and finished with a Q&A session with the student-athlete role models.
Get Active With Us!
Our AFH Fit videos are free to everyone to view! This month, hear from Denver Broncos Dalton Risner and professional beach volleyball player Katie Dickens on the importance of mindfulness and take part in our C.H.A.M.P.S. Challenge at the end of each video.
As a part of our new AFH Fit pilot program that explores AFH Fit visits with an entire school district at a time, Palm Beach County Schools (PBCS) word of the month was accountability.
During February, our AFH Fit partners in the PBCS district learned how to be accountable for your words and actions.
Our PBCS had a great virtual visit with NFL Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone. Alex spoke to the kids about being accountable for what they say and do, using personal examples of accountability that has allowed Alex to play football at the professional level.
Get Active With Us!
Our AFH Fit videos are free to everyone to view! This month, hear from former Team USA softball player Monica Abbott on the importance of accountability and take part in our C.H.A.M.P.S. Challenge at the end of the video.
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 some articles the AFH team has read that you may have missed this month.
“A Super Bowl champ and former Chicago Bear, Ryan Mundy has turned from football to focusing on the mental health and well-being of Black people and families.”
“There are a lot of things you can boast about, but taking a stance in 2020…I truly believe that God intended me to be a servant for my community and to others, and I wanted to stand on that”
“He’s the Point God on the court and headed straight for Springfield — but CP3’s legacy as an advocate for education and historically Black institutions is Hall of Fame-worthy in its own right”
“Everyone knows about Michael’s legacy on the basketball court, but it’s what he has consistently done off the court when no one’s watching that makes him a true legend for wish families and the wider Make-A-Wish community.”
“We got to set the example for our youth, and these kids, they’re watching everything that we do. So we got to continue to reach back and give back and allow them to see us so that they can grow up and be better than us one day.”
“Wave strong is an organization that helps break down the stigmas of mental health. We’ve had tragedy in our town of Darien and we’re just trying to get teens and everyone around to know it’s OK to not be OK”
Each month we ask our AFH University campus liaisons for nominations of student-athletes and teams who excelled in service. Through our monthly nominations, we are able to acknowledge all of the good our student-athletes and teams are doing in their communities.
Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces made us appreciate the opportunity that we had as kids and being able to take advantage of that [opportunity] to put us in the position to be influential to others is a blessing.
Jerry Burkett II, Southern Baseball
Student-Athlete of the Month
Our January student-athlete of the month is Jerry Burkett II from Southern University. He has been an integral part of service for his baseball team and continues to be a leader both on and off the field.
“Jerry Burkett II is a leader on the campus of Southern University and a leader in service for his team. Jerry has participated in all service events with his team while also capturing content. Last November, he assisted with meal prep for St.Vincent de Paul’s annual Thanksgiving dinner. He also serves on this year’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for Southern.”
Team of the Month
The January team of the month was none other than Howard University’s women’s lacrosse team. On Martin Luther King Day, the team spent countless hours handing out clothes and food to the city of D.C.’s most vulnerable through community partner So What Else.
“The Women’s Lacrosse Team should be recognized for January because of their MLK Day of Service with So What Else’s Meal and Clothing Distribution. The distribution was kind of slow due to no one coming to get food or clothing so I got the girls to mobilize the sandwiches around the city to anyone who may have been in need of a meal.”
We are so proud of all of our student-athletes and teams as they continue to selflessly give back to their communities.
November & December Student-Athlete & Team of the Month
Each month we ask our AFH University campus liaisons for nominations of student-athletes and teams who excelled in service. Through our monthly nominations, we are able to acknowledge all of the good our student-athletes and teams are doing in their communities.
“Community service to me is all about creating meaningful connections. Giving back is a great way to strengthen ties with an amazing community that has given my team and I so much. It brings me a great deal of happiness to be able to make the slightest difference in someone’s day. I hope to continue to stay involved with the community through all of the connections that I have been able to make playing at Southern University“
Londyn Lau, Southern Softball ’22
November 2022
Student-Athlete of the Month
Our November student-athlete of the month is Helen Feldmeth from Georgetown University. This AFH intern has gone above and beyond to connect her rowing team and other athletes to service.
“Helen has been consistently involved with service on and off of campus. She single-handedly started a letter-writing campaign for elderly people across the country, collecting over 170 letters written by student-athletes on Georgetown’s campus. Not only has she been a leader in service she is also still in training with the women’s rowing program. Her attitude and determination towards AFH U and service in her community have not gone unnoticed!”
Team of the Month
Our November team of the month was none other than Bowie State University’s women’s basketball team. During the holiday season, this team set new standards for service and also rose to the challenge during the Bowie State athletics canned food drive.
“This team stood out, having the most canned goods for the November food drive amongst all the other sports teams and donating to the local food bank. They were a huge factor in collecting over 50 lbs. of food for the local food bank. Their willingness to participate and their enthusiasm for the cause was incredibly inspirational!”
December 2022
Student-Athlete of the Month
Our December student-athlete of the month is Londyn Lau from Southern University. She has been an integral part of service in the Baton Rouge community and has been a leader alongside her softball team since she was a freshman.
“Londyn Lau has been an active community service leader alongside her team Southern Softball for the last 4 years. She has been involved in several initiatives such as our 9/11 Emergency Preparedness events, MLK Day of Service, Miracle League, OLOL hospital visits, and Progress Elementary school visits. In honor of Thanksgiving, this year we served at a series of events happening in Baton Rouge. Londyn helped with set up for the Council on Aging’s Thanksgiving Luncheon. While her team traveled home for the holiday, she insisted on serving alone and assisting with meal prep for St.Vincent De Paul’s annual holiday dinner.”
Team of the Month
The December team of the month was none other than Georgetown Track & Field. Aside from making time to do team community service, they have given the gift of gear to young athletes around the D.C. area- and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon!
“The Georgetown Track and Field Team sat down for a letter-writing activity and wrote 65 letters to be delivered to senior citizens in need of love from the community. The team has also maintained a gear collection box in their locker, mainly donating shoes and other gently used items.”
We are so proud of all of our student-athletes and teams as they continue to pour into their communities through meaningful philanthropic work.
Written by: Kenya Warren-Hollis, MPA, Program Manager, AFH University
For our AFH University student-athletes, the weeks before Thanksgiving are often met with studying for finals, trips back home, and winter workouts. For our Baton Rouge campuses, the week before Thanksgiving also meant an opportunity to give back to various members of their community through a week-long service project they entitled “Baton RougeServes With Purpose.”
As our AFH University campuses are focused on tackling the disparities of food insecurity this winter, our AFH U Baton Rouge student-athletes wanted to do their part by volunteering at various community organizations that routinely provide food, warmth, and friendship to those less fortunate.
Monday, November 14
The LSU Beach Volleyball Team kicked off AFH Baton Rouge’s “Serves with Purpose” week at Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank (GBRFB). The team worked together and assembled Thanksgiving meal boxes that were then distributed to GBRFB’s eleven parish service areas- many of which experience high levels of food insecurity.
I enjoyed getting a chance to give back during a season centered around being grateful. It was nice to have an opportunity to remind me of all I have to be thankful for.
Reilly Allred, LSU beach volleyball
In preparation for the EBR Council on Aging’s Annual Thanksgiving luncheon, Southern Softball stopped by The Baker Municipal Center a day before the big event to help with set up. They were able to set up over 60 tables and 480 chairs to accommodate senior citizens attending the event on Tuesday.
Tuesday, November 15
Southern University Volleyball had the pleasure of serving over 400 seniors from East Baton Rouge Council on Aging centers including Baker Senior Center, Greater King David Senior Center, Jewel J. Newman Senior Center, and Chaneyville Senior Center.
Event attendees were thankful for the extra hands as student-athletes and coaches assisted them throughout the luncheon. The team even had the opportunity to meet Councilwoman Chauna Banks, Constable Terrica Williams, and City of Baker Mayor, Darnell Waites.
Wednesday, November 16
Student-athletes from LSU Gymnastics and Golf continued our biweekly visit to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s hospital. They had the opportunity to read books in the activity room, facilitate games, and visit patient rooms.
I loved having the opportunity to serve at OLOL children’s hospital and being able to make a small difference in a child’s day. Seeing them smile when in a difficult circumstance is a beautiful thing.
Michael Sanders, LSU Golf
Thursday, November 17
Southern University Football continued our AFH BR “Serves with Purpose” Week at St.Vincent de Paul. Student-athletes served lunch on a serving line, passed out to-go lunches, and engaged with guests throughout the visit. Before each lunch, dining hall coordinators take the time to pray with guests. AFH Intern and Southern student-athlete Caleb Washington took the initiative to lead everyone in prayer and uplift guests before receiving a hot meal.
St. Vincent de Paul staff and guests were excited to meet Southern Football players ahead of the Bayou Classic, where Southern won against Grambling State 36 – 14, and the student-athletes were equally excited for the opportunity to interact with them.
Friday, November 18
Southern University Baseball closed out our week of service at a Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway hosted by Councilman Cleve Dunn and Collegiate Baton Rouge. Players passed out over 200 turkeys to families, toured the Collegiate Baton Rouge campus, and engaged with students. They also had an opportunity to be interviewed by Metro 21, the East Baton Rouge government channel that broadcasts to 150,000 households.
Today was a perfect full-circle experience, being able to work hand in hand with high school students sharing knowledge while also reminiscing on our high school days. We got to tour the school which allowed us to see the direction in which the next generation of leaders is taking us. On top of that giving turkeys to the community and seeing the smiles on their faces made us appreciate the opportunity that we had as kids and being able to take advantage of that to put us in the position to be influential to others.
Jerry Burkett II, Southern University baseball
The holiday season is a time when we are able to reflect on all that we are grateful for and this year our student-athletes haven’t stopped saying how grateful they are to be able to give back to their communities. We are looking forward to hosting more week-long service projects across our AFH University campuses in the future.
