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AFH News

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Athletes for Hope Announces Athlete Mental Health Alliance

WASHINGTON D.C.- Athletes for Hope (AFH) is proud to officially announce our Athlete Mental Health Alliance (AMHA), a coalition of athletes, mental health advocates, parents and partners invested in making athlete mental health a national priority.

The Athlete Mental Health Alliance (AMHA) aims to leverage the lived experiences and amplify the voices of athletes demanding a change in the sport system, as it pertains to their mental health. Through research, advocacy, and partnership we aim to facilitate a national plan supporting athlete mental health, developed with athletes, for athletes.

Our vision is to lift the ‘athlete voice’ as it leads the way in mental health solutions for elite athletes. Each of these voices combined will lead the charge in working with lawmakers to establish universal legislation that would create mental health rights for all athletes. Legislation created nationally could influence elite athlete programs as well as state and local youth mental health sports programs to create best practices and recommended training for athletes, coaches and trainers. Athletes for Hope is uniquely positioned to unite this national group with our experience in athlete advocacy and a strong network of professional, Olympic, Paralympic and student-athletes continues to grow.

“Athletes for Hope is proud to be convening this incredible group of athletes and mental health advocates who want to break down barriers to create change for athletes at all levels. Athlete mental health impacts millions of young people involved in sports of all ages and abilities, and our athlete network is poised to take action as advocates and community leaders.” Suzanne Potts, LMSW, MPH, Chief Wellbeing Officer at AFH. 

Members of the AMHA include individual athletes, Alston for Athletes, the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports, American Psychiatric Association Foundation, Athlete Empowerment Initiative, Bipartisan Policy Center, the Center for Healing and Justice Through Sports, Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation, Enough Suffering in Silence, The Hidden Opponent, Hilinski’s Hope, Katie’s Save, Mindz Matter, Morgan’s Message, Philadelphia Youth Sports Collective, Sara Shulze Foundation, and Tackle What’s Next.

For media inquiries, please contact: Suzanne Potts, Spotts@athletesforhope.org

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About Athletes for Hope

Founded by Muhammad Ali, Andre Agassi, Mia Hamm, and nine other elite athletes in 2006, Athletes for Hope (AFH) is a cause-neutral non-profit that educates, encourages, and empowers athletes to find their passions and use their time to positively engage with their communities. Over the past 16 years, AFH has educated more than 12,000 professional, Olympic, Paralympic, and collegiate athletes through its Causeway workshop series, and helped athletes volunteer with hundreds of underserved schools and impactful community organizations through core programs that focus on helping underserved children become more physically active, changing the public stigma around mental health, and brightening the lives of children in hospitals. Through their dedication and passion for doing good, AFH athletes have positively impacted the lives of millions around the world.

AFH News

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Arc Joins September 11th Day of Service and Remembrance for Emergency Preparedness

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On this September 11th Day of Service and Remembrance, Athletes for Hope will join thousands of community organizations across the country in turning a day of tragedy into a day of service. These volunteer efforts will pay tribute to the individuals lost and injured in the attacks, as well as honor the first responders and the many others who have risen in service to defend freedom.

This year, Athletes for Hope’s 9/11 activities will focus 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. Volunteers with intellectual and developmental disabilities will work alongside volunteers without disabilities to inform others about the need for disaster preparedness that includes all members of communities. 

The Arc of Baton Rouge, the Baton Rouge Fire Department, student-athletes from LSU and Southern University, and other community leaders will take part in on-site safety training, art, and painting for a local military program and write thank you letters for soldiers through Operation Gratitude.

Athletes for Hope’s event details are as follows:

WHAT: #911 Day of Service and Remembrance Event

WHEN: September 11, 2023, 11 am-1 pm

WHERE: The Arc of Baton Rouge, 12616 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

“Every emergency plan needs to be inclusive of people with disabilities. People with disabilities are often disproportionately affected by disaster, but unfortunately, their needs are many times not considered in organizational emergency plans and activities,” said Chief Wellbeing Officer Suzanne Potts, LMSW, MPH. “September 11th Day of Service and Remembrance gives us the opportunity to change this dangerous pattern. We can turn a day of tragedy into a day of doing good by establishing emergency plans that account for the needs of people with disabilities who are important members of every community.” 

AmeriCorps, the federal agency that leads the September 11th Day of Service and Remembrance, selected The Arc and a small group of other organizations to plan and participate in volunteer projects in honor of the victims and first responders of the September 11th attacks and our brave service members. 

The Arc advocates for and serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including Down syndrome, autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, cerebral palsy, and other diagnoses. The Arc has a network of over 600 chapters across the country promoting and protecting the human rights of people with IDD and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes and without regard to diagnosis. 

For media inquiries, please contact: Kenya Warren-Hollins (kwarren@athletesforhope.org, (504) 428-9737)

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About Athletes for Hope

Founded by Muhammad Ali, Andre Agassi, Mia Hamm, and nine other elite athletes in 2006, Athletes for Hope (AFH) is a cause-neutral non-profit that educates, encourages, and empowers athletes to find their passions and use their time to positively engage with their communities. Over the past 16 years, AFH has educated more than 12,000 professional, Olympic, Paralympic, and collegiate athletes through its Causeway workshop series, and helped athletes volunteer with hundreds of underserved schools and impactful community organizations through core programs that focus on helping underserved children become more physically active, changing the public stigma around mental health, and brightening the lives of children in hospitals. Through their dedication and passion for doing good, AFH athletes have positively impacted the lives of millions around the world.

AFH News

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Athletes for Hope recognized as a NYSS ChampionSM to Promote Participation in Youth Sports

Athletes for Hope becomes an NYSS Champion

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Athletes for Hope is pleased to be recognized by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a National Youth Sports Strategy (NYSS) Champion. 

As a NYSS Champion, Athletes for Hope has demonstrated their organization’s commitment to support safe, fun, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and accessible youth sports opportunities. Athletes for Hope is recognized along with other NYSS Champions on health.gov as part of a growing network of organizations partnering with HHS to improve the youth sports landscape in America. 

“We know children who obtain regular physical activity gain important physical and mental health benefits, which are more important than ever considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” explains Rear Adm. Paul Reed, M.D., deputy assistant secretary for health at HHS. “I’m thrilled to acknowledge the work of the NYSS Champions who are helping to foster a lifelong love of sports and physical activity for our Nation’s youth.”

“We are incredibly honored and proud to be recognized as a National Youth Sports Strategy (NYSS) Champion by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion,” AFH CEO Jason Belinkie said. “At Athletes for Hope, we believe in the transformative power of sports in the lives of young people. By joining forces with other NYSS Champions, we are dedicated to shaping a future where every child has the chance to experience the physical and mental health benefits of regular physical activity. Together, we will continue to work towards realizing the NYSS vision of ensuring that all youth have the opportunity, motivation, and access to play sports.” 

The NYSS is a federal roadmap with actionable strategies for youth, adults who interact with youth, organizations, communities, and public policy makers to increase participation in youth sports and improve the youth sports experience. The NYSS vision is that one day all youth will have the opportunity, motivation, and access to play sports. NYSS Champions are recognized for working towards achieving this vision. 

For media inquiries, please contact: Kylie Reeves (kreeves@athletesforhope.org, 919-593-7975)

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About Athletes for Hope

Founded by Muhammad Ali, Andre Agassi, Mia Hamm, and nine other elite athletes in 2006, Athletes for Hope (AFH) is a cause-neutral non-profit that educates, encourages, and empowers athletes to find their passions and use their time to positively engage with their communities. Over the past 16 years, AFH has educated more than 12,000 professional, Olympic, Paralympic, and collegiate athletes through its Causeway workshop series, and helped athletes volunteer with hundreds of underserved schools and impactful community organizations through core programs that focus on helping underserved children become more physically active, changing the public stigma around mental health, and brightening the lives of children in hospitals. Through their dedication and passion for doing good, AFH athletes have positively impacted the lives of millions around the world.

NYSS Champion is a service mark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Used with permission. Participation by Athletes for Hope does not imply endorsement by HHS/ODPHP.

About the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

ODPHP plays a vital role in keeping the Nation healthy through Healthy People 2030, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, and other programs, services, and education activities. ODPHP is part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To learn more about ODPHP visit health.gov or follow @HealthGov on Twitter and @HHSHealthGov on Facebook.

AFH News

Posted: Updated: by jbelinkie

Athletes for Hope Announces Athlete Mental Health Advocacy Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, May 31st, 2023, Athletes for Hope (AFH) is hosting an Athlete Mental Health Advocacy Day at the U.S. Capitol from 9 am ET to 12 pm ET. 

AFH has been working with athletes of all backgrounds and levels as well as leading mental health organizations to bring greater awareness around athlete mental health and to develop a clear ask of legislators: support legislation that advocates athlete mental health. 

Elite athletes are thought to be more resilient than the average person, however only 10% of athletes are seeking psychological assistance and approximately 35% of elite athletes report suffering from disordered eating, burnout, depression, and/or anxiety. This Advocacy Day is a representation of the early stages of AFH’s growing coalition of advocates who are working to build out and recruit lawmakers for multistate legislation on Athlete Mental Health. 

Joining AFH and some of the organizations’ Whole Being Athlete Ambassadors on the steps of Capitol Hil include: Hilinski’s Hope, The Hidden Opponent (and affiliated athletes), Tackle What’s Next, Alliance of Social Workers in Sport (ASWIS), Philadelphia Youth Sport Collaborative, Mindz Matter, The Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport, Morgan’s Message, Bipartisan Policy Center, Enough Suffering in Silence, Timberlake Enterprises, Athlete Empowerment Initiative, George Washington Sports Philanthropy Certificate Program, and a handful of former and current collegiate, Olympic, Paralympic and professional athletes.  

“Athlete mental health is at the center of all that we do at Athletes for Hope. As we continue to meet with athletes and our partners, it is clear that legislation is needed to ensure athletes at all levels are given the support they need,” said AFH Chief Wellbeing Officer Suzanne Potts, LMPW, MPH. “We are excited to spend the day at the Capitol championing athlete mental health.”

The day will begin with a briefing breakfast, kindly hosted by Williams and Connolly, LLC and it will end at the Capitol for scheduled meetings with legislators and legislators’ staff. A group photo will take place at noon in front of the Capitol.

Ultimately, AFH is working towards a specific athlete-centered legislation: a National Athlete Mental Health Bill of Rights. 

As they build out their coalition, AFH invites any interested parties to reach out through their website: AthletesforHope.org

For media inquiries, please contact: Kylie Reeves (kreeves@athletesforhope.org, 919-593-7975)

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About Athletes for Hope

Founded by Muhammad Ali, Andre Agassi, Mia Hamm, and nine other elite athletes in 2006, Athletes for Hope (AFH) is a cause-neutral non-profit that educates, encourages, and empowers athletes to find their passions and use their time to positively engage with their communities. Over the past 16 years, AFH has educated more than 12,000 professional, Olympic, Paralympic, and collegiate athletes through its Causeway workshop series, and helped athletes volunteer with hundreds of underserved schools and impactful community organizations through core programs that focus on helping underserved children become more physically active, changing the public stigma around mental health, and brightening the lives of children in hospitals. Through their dedication and passion for doing good, AFH athletes have positively impacted the lives of millions around the world.

AFH News

Posted: Updated: by jbelinkie

Athletes for Hope Receives 9/11 Day of Service Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C.- [April 24, 2023] On April 21, 2023, Athletes for Hope (AFH) launched their first emergency preparedness volunteer service opportunity thanks to a $10,000 grant by The Arc of the U.S. and AmeriCorps.

Last Friday, Athletes for Hope’s Southern Sports Philanthropy Certificate Program (SPCP) were able to engage 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.

Progress Elementary Field Day football activity
Progress Elementary Field Day balloon relay activity

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. 

“We are honored to be one of the recipients again of the 9/11 Day of Service grant. We understand that every community has unique needs, and we are eager to support and strengthen Baton Rouge as we lead inclusive service projects that focus on emergency preparedness throughout the duration of the grant,” said Suzanne Potts, LMSW, MPH, Chief Wellbeing Officer at AFH. “It is through these service projects that we know that we can make our community stronger and better for decades to come.”

Trinyty Turner of Southern University Tennis helps demonstrate a fire safety drill.
Baton Rouge Fire Department provided fire safety lessons to students at Progress Elementary.

Athletes for Hope has committed to engaging 40+ community members in more than 400 hours of service over the course of the grant period and will hold a 9/11 Day of Service this September.

For media inquiries, please contact: Kylie Reeves (kreeves@athletesforhope.org, 919-593-7975)

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About Athletes for Hope

Founded by Muhammad Ali, Andre Agassi, Mia Hamm, and nine other elite athletes in 2006, Athletes for Hope (AFH) is a cause-neutral non-profit that educates, encourages, and empowers athletes to find their passions and use their time to positively engage with their communities. Over the past 16 years, AFH has educated more than 12,000 professional, Olympic, Paralympic, and collegiate athletes through its Causeway workshop series, and helped athletes volunteer with hundreds of underserved schools and impactful community organizations through core programs that focus on helping underserved children become more physically active, changing the public stigma around mental health, and brightening the lives of children in hospitals. Through their dedication and passion for doing good, AFH athletes have positively impacted the lives of millions around the world.

About The Arc

The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and serving them and their families. We work tirelessly to uphold our vision that every individual and family living with IDD in the United States has access to the information, advocacy, and skills they need to support their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. Learn more at TheArc.org.

AFH News

Posted: Updated: by jbelinkie

Athletes for Hope Announces Expansion To Davidson College

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C.- [February 16, 2023] On January 19, 2023, Athletes for Hope (AFH) formally launched its expansion of the AFH University program at Davidson College thanks to support from its newest partner, Under Armour and Curry Brand.

Last month, over 150 student-athletes from Davidson College field hockey, cheer, and football engaged in an athlete empowerment workshop conducted by Athletes for Hope CEO, Jason Belinkie, and Founding CEO Emeritus, Ivan Blumberg. 

AFH Empowerment Workshop, Davidson Field Hockey
AFH Empowerment Workshop, Davidson Football

The empowerment workshop gave student-athletes an introduction to Athletes for Hope while focusing on a series of inspirational debates and exercises that explore an athlete’s role in the community. Student-athletes at Davidson had the opportunity to discuss topics such as how to be a leader in their community, how to utilize their powerful platform to make a difference, and how their involvement can positively impact their community.  

“We are thrilled to expand AFH’s University program to Davidson College, where we will work closely with their passionate and diverse group of student athletes to make a positive and lasting impact in the Davidson community,” said Jason Belinkie, CEO of AFH. “We are grateful for the support and leadership of both Under Armour and Davidson College in making this important partnership possible.” 

In addition to educational workshops, student-athletes will have the opportunity to begin their community service work with AFH University within the Davidson community, primarily focusing on volunteering at the Ada Jenkins Center, the home to one of Curry Brand’s latest court renovations in partnership with Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation and Summit Coffee Foundation. Curry Brand, powered by Under Armour, was started in 2020 with the commitment to change the game for good. One of their focus areas is to impact communities through 20 court renovations across the globe by 2025.

The Davidson community came to support the grand opening of the Ada Jenkins basketball renovation project.
Ada Jenkins Center basketball court renovation reveal on January 21, 2023.

“The scholar-athletes at Davidson have a unique opportunity to develop critical life skills and philanthropic education that will further them on and off the court, field, course, or pool,” said Chris Clunie, Director of Athletics at Davidson College. “We are proud of our scholar-athletes for their deep commitment to leadership, service, and impact, and we are thankful to Athletes for Hope and Under Armour for their vision and partnership.”

Established in 2013, AFH University is located at 15 college and university campuses across the country, including five Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 

For media inquiries, please contact: Kylie Reeves (kreeves@athletesforhope.org, 919-593-7975)

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About Athletes for Hope

Founded by Muhammad Ali, Andre Agassi, Mia Hamm, and nine other elite athletes in 2006, Athletes for Hope (AFH) is a cause-neutral non-profit that educates, encourages, and empowers athletes to find their passions and use their time to positively engage with their communities. Over the past 16 years, AFH has educated more than 12,000 professional, Olympic, Paralympic, and collegiate athletes through its Causeway workshop series, and helped athletes volunteer with hundreds of underserved schools and impactful community organizations through core programs that focus on helping underserved children become more physically active, changing the public stigma around mental health, and brightening the lives of children in hospitals. Through their dedication and passion for doing good, AFH athletes have positively impacted the lives of millions around the world.

About Under Armour

Under Armour serves as a catalyst for the progress of athletes and our communities. Our purpose sits at the intersection of “Who We Are” and the “Need in the World” we can fulfill. We believe in waking up every morning to make athletes legendary. From the best of the best to the ones just getting started, we put the athlete at the center of everything we do. A subsidiary of Under Armour, the Curry Brand spans each category of Under Armour’s performance product innovations with an imprint designed to give back. Both are committed to bettering their communities, a percentage of yearly revenue will be spent on under-resourced communities so that all can participate in organized sports.