By Steffen Klenk
For more than 20 years, Athletes Helping Athletes, Inc. (AHA) has been connecting high school and college athletes with special needs individuals with the goal of building lifelong friendships.
Not only does AHA host special events throughout the year, it also provides necessary funding and support for special needs organizations in southeastern Pennsylvania, while producing much-needed community support and awareness.
Their mission is to create a world of broader acceptance and inclusion for all.
The organization was founded by Rick Leonetti, a former high school baseball and basketball coach. After becoming president of Council Rock North High School’s Football Booster Club in 2002, he wanted to raise money for charity.
“Our kids came home with gifts all the time, and our boys never asked for it,” Leonetti said.
During a meeting, one of the parents suggested working with the Special Olympics of Bucks County. From there, they invited six boys and girls with special needs to the club’s respective football and cheerleading camps that season.
After much success in its initial season, he received a phone call from the school’s football coach the following summer.
“Their players got so much out of the program,” said Leonetti, describing the conversation.
Within just a few years, interest grew amongst players and coaches in the boys and girls basketball teams at Council Rock North, and began spreading to other schools throughout the region.
About 30 minutes prior to the start of each game, individuals and families are met by student volunteers. Each kid receives an AHA t-shirt and medal before gametime. Then, depending on the sport, they hold hands with the team captains and take part in the coin toss.
Afterwards, the honorary coaches and their hosts retreat to the sidelines, not only to watch the game, but to begin bonding with each other, a unique and gratifying moment not just for the special needs individuals, but the students they interact with, according to Leonetti.
“It has put new perspective in their lives,” he said.
To help raise necessary funding, Athletes Helping Athletes hosts an annual Golf Outing, and Beer N Beer fundraiser. Participating schools and other businesses will also run fundraising events.
In the last calendar school year, AHA donated more than $58,000 to a dozen special needs athletic programs. Groups receiving funds include the Special Olympics of Bucks County, Pegasus Riding Academy, Miracle League Playground Project, and Fox Chase Champions, among others.
After a lull for in-person activities in the past few seasons, Leonetti says their plan for the upcoming school year is to get back to normal.
“We want to get back to our full schedule of fun events and Honorary Captain opportunities,” he said.
AHA is currently seeking expansion to the South Jersey region with the hopes of launching programs in both Egg Harbor Township and Ocean City High Schools.
Today, Athletes Helping Athletes is in nearly two dozen high schools throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and nearly 12 colleges and universities, including Penn State and Villanova University. This amazing organization is changing lives in many ways, not only by helping coaches and student athletes through volunteer efforts, but by offering much-needed inclusion and involvement for kids and young adults with special needs.
Those who are interested in learning more may visit www.aha-2002.com.
Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.
