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AFH Joins ESPN’s “Take Back Sports” Initiative 

Tag: Youth Sports

AFH Joins ESPN’s “Take Back Sports” Initiative 

Posted: Updated: by Jasmine Moore

Athletes for Hope is proud to celebrate ESPN’s Take Back Sports initiative, a national campaign designed to make youth sports more fun, inclusive, and accessible for every child. The initiative unites athletes, organizations, and communities to create a better sports experience for the next generation.

We’re especially proud that Stephen Curry, an esteemed member of our Athlete Leadership Council, is serving as a Take Back Sports Ambassador. Stephen’s voice and leadership continue to amplify the connection between sport and service. Click below to watch Stephen’s powerful announcement.

Stephen Curry Announces His Role as Take Back Sports Ambassador

Did you know that only 38.3% of children aged 6–12 play sports regularly, and 62% do not.

As part of the Take Back Sports initiative, ESPN has selected Athletes for Hope as a grantee to support our CHAMPS program, expanding youth physical activity and mental wellness in schools across the country. Grounded in values like Courage, Honesty, Accountability, Mindfulness, Positivity, and Strength. CHAMPS equips students in grades 2–5 with lessons in physical wellness, mental health awareness and leadership skills through an athlete-led curriculum. Since launch, the program has impacted over 220,000 kids monthly across 900+ schools. 

In the months ahead, our AFH athlete network will join the Take Back Sports campaign, bringing personal stories, social media activations, and calls to action to amplify the message, and continue advocating for positive, meaningful change in youth sports.

Together with Take Back Sports and our AFH athletes, we’re stepping onto a court, a field, and most importantly, the community to shake things up. Because every young person deserves a chance to play, belong, and thrive.

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.