Davidson College Archives - Athletes for Hope

Athletes in Action

Posted: March 4, 2024 Updated: April 24, 2024 by Hannah Bronkema

AFH University February 2024 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.

While February came and went in a flash, our student-athletes dedicated as much time as possible to giving back to their communities in meaningful ways.

Athletes from Davidson College, Southern University, Bowie State, Georgetown, and LSU engaged in Valentine’s Day card making, various panel discussions, celebrating Black History Month and more!

Davidson College

Continuing The Mission

The women of the Davidson field hockey team spent time at Continuing the Mission, a comprehensive assistance for veterans that provides assistance dogs and support.

Since 2023, the team has been volunteering at Continuing the Mission where they take the dogs out, play with them, and help them socialize before they get adopted out to the veterans.

Mental Health U

During Black History Month, AFH University student-athletes from Davidson College and Southern University took part in the launch of AFH’s brand new AFH University panel series titled Mental Health U.

In Episode 1: Black History Month, the student-athletes discussed the importance of speaking out about mental health and breaking the stigma of mental health in the black community.

Hear about the mental health resources the student-athletes use on and off campus, the importance of having people you can talk to, how the stigma of mental health is changing, and more here.

Southern University

Valentine’s Day Project

This year for Valentine’s Day, student-athletes at Southern University helped spread the love as they hosted a card-making station where others could come and create cards for patients at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital.

Once completed, the cards were hand-delivered to the hospital in time for Valentine’s Day where they were given to patients.

Black History Month Essay Contest

This year AFH partnered with the athletic departments at Southern University and Bowie State for our Black History Month Essay Contest. The contest asked high schoolers in their communities to share a story of an African American who has been an inspiration to them.

The winners from each community captured the power of perseverance and dedication in their essays. You can read both of the winning essays and learn more about this year’s winners here.

Bowie State

CHAMPS Program

In September 2023 Athletes for Hope revamped its AFH Fit and H.E.A.R.T. Curriculum to create the CHAMPS Program. CHAMPS brings athletes to underserved elementary school classrooms to teach them invaluable mental health and leadership skills alongside physical activity exercises.

This February student-athletes from Bowie State SAAC visited Perrywood Elementary School to put on a CHAMPS session with the children at the school. CHAMPS participants were taken through workouts, a mental health Mindfulness activity and more!

CIAA Panel Series

Members of Bowie State SAAC had the pleasure of visiting the Under Armour Headquarters where they participated in a series of panel discussions with Deloitte CEO of Consulting Dan Helfrich where they discussed a day in the life of a student-athlete with high school students.

The panelists kept the conversation light while providing insight on barriers to access of sport, adjusting to collegiate athletic life, how sports prepare you for professional work life, and more!

Georgetown

Night to Shine

Over 40 Georgetown student-athletes attended a Night to Shine in Washington DC. Night to Shine is a prom night experience for individuals 14 and older who have special needs and is sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation.

Louisiana State University (LSU)

Black History Month Movie

February is a time when AFH University student-athletes come together to celebrate, honor, and preserve Back history.

This year during Black History Month, student-athletes at LSU hosted a movie night for their campus that honored black movie directors. Eventgoers enjoyed a myriad of movies and sparked up conversations about the contributions of the Black community to film and television.

Spring is just around the corner for our student-athletes and we cannot wait to see how they will positively impact their communities!

AFH University Service Recognition

Posted: January 30, 2024 Updated: January 30, 2024 by Hannah Bronkema

November & December 2023 | 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 can acknowledge all of the good our student-athletes and teams are doing in their communities.

During November and December, our Student-Athlete and Team of the Month award winners challenged the status quo on what it means to serve as they created service projects and opportunities in their community.

November Award Winners

November Student-Athlete of the Month

Our November Student-Athlete of the Month is Eliza Buerk from Davidson women’s basketball. Eliza personally reached out to the AFH University team to plan an event with Dream on 3 and the Davidson women’s basketball team.

“Eliza has spearheaded the planning and preparation for this experience which took place on December 8 at their game against High Point. The team hosted families, showed them around the arena, and honored them at halftime. Eliza was at the center of the planning and this could not have been put together without her hard work and passion.”

November Team of the Month

The November Team of the Month is the Southern bowling team. Together, Southern bowling has been a force, not only on the lanes but in the community.

“Southern bowling kicked off their season prioritizing service, playing a huge role in the 2023 AFH Baton Rouge Serves initiative and 9/11 Day of Service events. The team participated in food sorting at the BR Food Bank, enjoyed a school visit with Louisiana Key Academy, and an Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital Visit.”

December Award Winners

December Student-Athlete of the Month

Our December Student-Athlete of the Month is Zion Walters from Clark Atlanta women’s basketball. Zion has participated in service opportunities every month throughout the entire fall 2023 semester, even asking to be connected to service opportunities while she was at home during the holiday season.

“For the entire first semester of the school year Zion has been attending the Harland Boys and Girls Club weekly to hang out with the kids. In December, Zion worked tirelessly to help the kids choreograph a dance to perform at their Holiday Party. She worked with the kids for over a month to get the dance perfect to perform in front of all of the staff, kids, and families at the club.”

December Team of the Month

The December Team of the Month is the Davidson women’s basketball team. During December, the Davidson women’s basketball team hosted Dream on 3 for a fun “Dreamers Day” during their game against High Point.

“The women on the Davidson women’s basketball team spent the day hosting children and their families who are living with life-altering conditions. Not only did the kids get to spend time with the team, but they received swag from Davidson College along with being honored at half-time in front of all of the fans and players at the arena. After the game, the kids and their families were able to get autographs and pictures with all of the players.”

As we look forward to another semester of AFH University, we couldn’t be more proud of all of our student-athletes and teams for the work they are doing in their communities each day!

Athletes in Action

Posted: July 27, 2023 Updated: July 27, 2023 by Hannah Bronkema

AFH University Summer Roundup

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.

Participants from LA Key Academy smiling for a photo together.

Baton Rouge Fire Department crew member stands in front of the Ready Rangers mobile as he speaks to field day participants.

June 2023

Boys and Girls Club of Arizona

Clark Atlanta University basketball player Zion Walters smiles with other volunteers in front of a Main Event sign.

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

Southern football players smile for a photo before they began a game of spin-the-wheel trivia at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital.

July 2023

Voice in Sports Foundation

Female student-athletes from Georgetown University smile for a photo with Senator Chris Murphy.

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.

Members of the Davison football team pose for a photo with participants of the football clinic.

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

photo of LSU student-athlete high-fiving one of the Beaux Day participants after a drill. — Photos by Dylan Boral and Sean Cripple.

Student-athletes and Beaux Day participants line up on the LSU football field before breaking into their groups. — Photos by Dylan Boral and Sean Cripple.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Phoenix

Clark Atlanta basketball player Zion Walters poses with peace signs in the dance studio with clinic participants from the Boys and 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.

AFH News

Posted: February 16, 2023 Updated: February 16, 2023 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)

###

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.