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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.

AFH News

Posted: Updated: by jbelinkie

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFH to Bring Six Professional, Olympic, Paralympic and Collegiate Athletes to Tanzania for Youth Sports Empowerment Program

WASHINGTON D.C.- On Tuesday, October 18, 2022 a team of nine (9) American athletes and staff from Athletes for Hope (AFH) and World Learning will travel to Arusha, Tanzania as part of a seven (7) day project, “Building Life Skills in Youth Through Sports: Program for Tanzania” geared to empower girls and young women through basketball and sport. This two-way exchange project is a collaboration through the U.S. Department of State’s Sports Diplomacy division in conjunction with World Learning and Athletes for Hope. The initial inbound event included ten (10) Tanzanian young women who participated in cultural, educational and sport-related exchange opportunities while in the Washington, DC area in January 2020.

The seven-day outbound program will include cultural and educational visits, and life skill sessions using the AFH Fit and Whole Being Athlete mental health curriculum conducted by American participants to support sports-based youth development projects in Tanzania. Each activity on the schedule is focused on increased leadership skills, encouraging positive mental health, confidence, inclusion, cross-cultural understanding, female empowerment, and youth development at the Orkeeswa School, in Monduli, Tanzania.

“It’s a privilege to continue to expand the global impact of Athletes for Hope in collaboration with World Learning and the U.S. State Department,” said AFH CEO Jason Belinkie. “We are thrilled to bring core elements of AFH programming to students and educators at the Orkeeswa School through our staff leadership and AFH Athlete participants.”

Athlete participants include Michelle Carter (Olympian, USA Track & Field), Awvee Storey (Coach, WNBA/NBA G League and retired NBA), Chastity Melvin (retired WNBA), Zavier Moore (Southern University Baseball), Lacey Henderson (Paralympian, USA Track & Field), and Megan Montefusco (NWSL, Orlando Pride).

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

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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 10,000 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 upon 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. To learn more, visit www.athletesforhope.org.

World Learning

World Learning is a global nonprofit empowering people and strengthening institutions through education, sustainable development, and exchange programs. World Learning helps people and communities build brighter futures through six core program areas: people-to-people exchanges, global education, institutional strengthening, youth workforce and entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and TESOL | English teacher training. 

World Learning’s professional exchanges, such as the U.S. Department of State-funded International Sports Programming Initiative include networking opportunities with U.S. and international counterparts, site visits, and industry and community discussions. Programs emphasize experiential learning and leadership development and are customized to the needs and contexts of participants. Through exchange programs, World Learning helps the next generation of global leaders expand their sense of civic responsibility, establish relationships across ethnic, religious, and national lines, and develop the skills and knowledge to transform their communities and countries.

To learn more, visit www.worldlearning.org.

U.S. Department of State, Sports Diplomacy Division 

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) fosters mutual understanding between the United States and other countries through international educational, professional and cultural exchanges. The Bureau promotes personal, professional, and institutional ties between private citizens and organizations in the United States and abroad, and presents U.S. history, society, art and culture in all of its diversity to overseas audiences. 

The Sports Diplomacy division (formerly SportsUnited) uses the international language of sports as a tool to promote tolerance, understanding and the peaceful resolution/prevention of conflict; to increase awareness among young people of the importance of following a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness in order to prevent illness, substance abuse, and negative behaviors; and to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities by providing inclusive sports opportunities that contribute to the physical and psychological health of people at all ages who experience disabilities. To learn more about Sports Diplomacy, visit: https://eca.state.gov/programs-initiatives/initiatives/sports-diplomacy/sports-grants

AFH News

Posted: Updated: by jbelinkie

Athletes for Hope and Champs Sports Announce Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON D.C.- In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10, Athletes for Hope (AFH) is proud to announce its partnership with one of the largest, athletic sports-specialty retailers in North America Champs Sports.

As part of the partnership, Champs Sports has donated $30,000 to AFH to help shatter the stigma of mental health and empower all athletes. Champs Sports’ donation to AFH will go towards education, training and resource creation related to athletes’ mental health, as well as fund AFH’s “Pledge to Reach Out” campaign. The pledge states: It starts with showing up, and a willingness to listen. It doesn’t need to be perfect, or filled with advice. It starts with reaching out.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Champs Sports as they are committed to raising awareness of mental health issues that affect athletes across all sports,” said Jason Belinkie, CEO of Athletes for Hope. “At Athletes for Hope, our goal is to break down barriers and provide help to those in need, and we recognize the power of sharing one’s own experiences in order to inspire others. With the support of Champs Sports as well as star athletes, we hope the “Pledge to Reach Out” campaign encourages all athletes to show up, listen and reach out.”

In support of the pledge, Champs Sports, in partnership with Athletes for Hope, launched a World Mental Health Day campaign on 10/10. The campaign features Washington Commanders Offensive Lineman Chris Paul and Olympian and World Cup Alpine Ski Racer Alice Merryweather, both of whom have grappled with mental health issues within their careers and have fought to overcome them.

“As athletes, it’s so important to use our platform to welcome conversations about mental health, or share our own experiences with mental health so people know they are not alone,” said Chris Paul, Washington Commanders Offensive Lineman and Athletes for Hope Mental Health Ambassador. “Mental health care deserves more of a spotlight, and we should all aim to do more for our ourselves and our peers in order to challenge the stigma that surrounds mental health in sports.” 

In the campaign, Alice and Chris speak about what they do to stay mentally healthy and balanced, no matter what life throws at them, and encourage others to seek help if needed. They are also shown in photos that represent what these athletes do to help keep a healthy mind – spend time in nature, ride horses, collaborate with friends, attend educational conferences, and more. They’ve both signed the “Pledge to Reach Out” and encourage everyone to join them by visiting athletesforhope.org/reachout. 

To kick off the campaign, Champs Sports hosted a Mental Health Day event at Champs Sports Homefield in Pembroke Pines, FL on Sunday, October 9th for local high school and college athletes. The events consisted of yoga, mindfulness, and meditation sessions led by Athletes for Hope ambassadors Kendall Ellis and Rachel McNair. 

Champs Sports will dedicate the entire next month to mental health initiatives including a continued partnership with AFH to provide education and resources to athletes in need.  

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 10,000 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 upon 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 Foot Locker, Inc.
Foot Locker, Inc. leads the celebration of sneaker and youth culture around the globe through a portfolio of brands including Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, Eastbay, atmos, WSS, Footaction, and Sidestep. With approximately 2,800 retail stores in 28 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, as well as websites and mobile apps, the Company’s purpose is to inspire and empower youth culture around the world, by fueling a shared passion for self-expression and creating unrivaled experiences at the heart of the global sneaker community. Foot Locker, Inc. has its corporate headquarters in New York. For additional information please visit www.footlocker-inc.com.

AFH News

Posted: Updated: by kReeves

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Athletes for Hope and Southern University Team Up to Support Mental Health & Wellness

Update | August 29, 2022: You can find a recap of this event in BR Proud.

Baton Rouge, LA, August 16 – Athletes for Hope (AFH) is proud to support the Wellness Festival on the Bluff, presented by NAMI Louisiana, scheduled for Friday, August 19, 2022. The event will take place at the Southern University Event Center (8101 James J Prestage St, Baton Rouge, LA 70807) from 10am to 4pm in collaboration with Southern University Athletics, Student Government Association and the Department of Social Work.

As part of Southern University Athletics’ Fan Fest Weekend, the Wellness Festival will include presentations from mental health professionals and advocates. Highlights include a presentation from NAMI National CEO Daniel Gillison who will raise awareness about the mental health needs of college students and an AFH Whole Being Athlete panel moderated by Dr. Marlin Hollins, Southern University Assistant Athletic Director of Advancement, focusing on campus area mental health resources. Yoga, mindfulness moments and targeted vendors focusing on mental health community support will all round out this incredible day of learning.

“During a time where athlete mental health awareness and suicide prevention is needed more than ever, AFH sees a significant and important opportunity in Baton Rouge to support and strengthen the mental health and wellness resources surrounding Southern University,” said Suzanne Potts, LMSW, MPH, AFH University National Director and Mental Health Program Lead. “We are grateful for the campus community, Southern Athletic Department and NAMI Louisiana for their commitment to making this event a huge success and connecting Southern students with a day of reflection, resource sharing and fun.”

This event is funded in part by a grant from the Pennington Family Foundation which supports a larger initiative with Athletes for Hope University (AFH U), a program that educates and connects student-athletes from LSU and Southern University to service and volunteerism, as well as mental health and advocacy efforts via AFH’s Whole Being Athlete. AFH U launched in 2013 and now operates at 14 university campuses across the U.S., including 5 HBCUs while Whole Being Athlete launched in May of 2021.

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 15 years, AFH has educated more than 10,000 professional, Olympic, Paralympic and collegiate athletes through its Causeway workshop series, and its network includes thousands of athletes across nearly every sport. AFH’s core programs focus on underserved youth physical activity and leadership, 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.