a message of thanks

From Athletes For Hope Australia Founders, Iain Roy and Laura Johnston

As we finalise the closure of Athletes for Hope Australia, we do so with deep pride and gratitude. AFHA’s journey has been shaped by the connection and generosity of over 800 athletes, 21 charities and countless partners, supporters and volunteers that have welcomed collaboration and stood beside us with unwavering belief.

When we set out to bring Athletes for Hope to Australia from the United States in 2019, our vision was simple yet ambitious - to inspire and connect athletes, charities and communities to create impact together. We’ve always believed that when athletes connect with purpose, they not only transform the lives of others but also uncover new meaning, fulfilment and wellbeing within themselves.

We’ve seen that belief come to life in diverse ways. From emerging athletes to Olympians and Paralympians, from academies to professional sports clubs, we’ve witnessed impactful contributions as athletes champion the causes that matter most to them, support their communities and spark real change. These experiences have reminded us, time and again, that sport is one of the most powerful forces for good in our society.

We encourage you to harness the insights, learnings and resources from our work over the past six years, which we've been able to share with you thanks to the support of the June Canavan Foundation for our Legacy Project. Check out our Purpose, Perspective and Paying It Forward research with Victoria University, and our new, free resource for anyone supporting athletes of all ages to develop their own lifelong journey of community contribution, the AFHA Athlete Playbook.

If you've shared your details with us through the AFHA Athlete Community form or in any other format, please know that your information will be securely archived offline.

Though this chapter is closing, we hope that the movement we’ve built together will continue and the lessons, relationships, and spirit of purpose that have defined AFHA will live on through every athlete who continues to give back and every community that’s been touched along the way. We leave knowing the spark has been lit and that its light will keep shining in new and meaningful ways. 

For further queries until our closure, contact hello@athletesforhope.org.au.