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.
June 2023
Boys and Girls Club of Arizona
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
July 2023
Voice in Sports Foundation
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.
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
Boys & 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.