2023 Award Winners#
U.S. Paralympian Jamal Hill, who won bronze at the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, is passionate about providing accessible swimming education and water safety courses to all. His nonprofit, Swim Up Hill, provides free lessons, mentorship and skill development around aquatic safety to underserved communities. While Hill is deeply involved in his nonprofit work, he remains dedicated to his training, and recently competed in Paris 2024.
Two-time alpine skiing U.S. Paralympian Staci Mannella is a volunteer with the Sisters in Sports Foundation. The foundation, which focuses on promoting gender equity in the Paralympic Movement, provides community, financial support, and mentorship to women with disabilities. Manella, who is pursuing a degree in counseling with a focus in sport psychology, uses her expertise to serve as a mentor, conduct research, and develop tailored lessons to address the specific needs of female athletes with disabilities.
Team USA alum cross-country skier Kait Miller is a volunteer with the New England Nordic Ski Association. The association serves as an educational hub for people of all ages and abilities, providing year-round programs, clinics, and events to create accessibility in the sport. As a volunteer, Miller is dedicated to expanding the youth program, while also promoting inclusivity and equity within the ski community.
Legendary fencer and five-time U.S. Olympian Peter Westbrook, who won bronze at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 1984, has dedicated over three decades of service to the New York City community through the Peter Westbrook Foundation. Established in 1991, the PWF uses fencing to empower underrepresented youth through structured physical activity and academic support. By providing opportunity, guidance and mentorship to underserved communities, the PWF has helped its students achieve a 100% high school graduation rate, with over 98% attending college post-graduation.
2022 Award Winners#
Mary Cain, a track and field athlete transitioning to the sport of triathlon, founded Atalanta NYC in 2021. Atalanta NYC is a New York City-based nonprofit that employs and supports professional female runners so they can achieve their highest athletic goals while building their career skills. The organization also gives back to the next generation of runners by serving as mentors to girls in underserved parts of New York.
Kelsey Dickinson is a biathlete and a volunteer with the Women Ski Coaches Association. The WSCA works to develop, retain and advance women in ski coaching leadership. In addition to her service to the WSCA, Dickinson is also a Gender Equity Ambassador for the International Biathlon Union and an ambassador for Athlete Ally.
Tyler Merren is a member of the U.S. Goalball National Team, and he serves as a volunteer with the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes. USABA empowers Americans who are blind and visually impaired to experience life-changing opportunities in sports, recreation and physical activities. Merren has been a volunteer with the organization for over 20 years, and he is dedicated to ensuring that visually impaired athletes have accessible training opportunities.
Billy Mills, a legendary track and field athlete who won the 10,000-meter gold medal at the Olympic Games Tokyo 1964, co-founded Running Strong for American Indian Youth to meet the critical needs of Native communities, foster cultural identity development and support Native youth in pursuit of their dreams. Mills has been active in outreach and fundraising for the organization for more than 30 years.
