The SimiSleighs Foundation
Athlete Grant Program
The SimiSleighs Foundation Athlete Grant Program is dedicated to advancing gender equality by empowering female Olympic and Paralympic athletes, as well as hopefuls, from around the world. We provide essential resources, support, and tools to help them elevate their potential and amplify their impact both on and off the field. Launched in 2023, the program aims to award $1M USD in grants to elite female athletes over the next decade.
A six-month virtual program designed to empower rising female leaders in sports, it provides tools, skills, and experiences to support personal and professional growth through monthly virtual events focused on leadership, skill-building, and networking. Participants are also eligible for up to $5,000 USD in financial assistance for training related to the upcoming Olympic or Paralympic Games. By the end of the program, athletes will gain leadership skills, global perspectives, and valuable mentorship. The 2025 program runs from April to September.
The SimiSleighs Foundation Athlete Grant Program is currently not accepting applications. To stay informed about future opportunities, news, and updates from the SimiSleighs Foundation, we encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.
MEET OUR CLASS OF 2025
A powerhouse cohort of Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls breaking barriers in sport and beyond. From championing inclusion, equity, and mental health to advancing sustainability and empowering girls globally, this dynamic group is redefining what it means to lead with purpose—on and off the field.
BOIPELO AWUAH
Skateboarding (SOUTH AFRICA)
Olympian Boipelo Awuah is Africa’s top female skateboarder and a community leader empowering girls through sport and inclusion.
ALEX KLEIN
Bobsleigh (ROMANIA)
Alex Klein is an elite bobsleigh athlete and Olympic hopeful for the 2026 Winter Games, autoimmune advocate, equity-in-sport champion, and founder of Group of Grit.
ELIANA MASON
Goalball (USA)
Eliana Mason is a two-time Goalball Paralympic medalist, mental health counselor, and passionate advocate for advancing inclusivity and awareness in adaptive sports.
PRAGNYA MOHAN
Triathlon (INDIA)
Pragnya Mohan is an Indian triathlon champion, IOC Young Leader, and LA 2028 Olympic hopeful empowering girls and promoting sustainability through sport.
CINDY OUELLET
Wheelchair Basketball (CANADA)
Cindy Ouellet is a six-time Paralympian, cancer survivor, biomedical engineer, neuroscientist, and advocate for inclusion and mental health.
ADRIANA RUANO OLIVA
Shooting (GUATEMALA)
Adriana Ruano Oliva is an Olympic Champion in Trap Shooting, Pan Am Gold Medalist, and Sports Nutritionist inspiring others through resilience
IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR THE SIMISLEIGHS FOUNDATION ATHLETE GRANT PROGRAM
1
Aspire to be role models and use their athletic talents to drive positive change on a global scale. They are committed to service and have a proven track record of advancing social impact through their work.
2
Strive for excellence in everything they do, demonstrating determination, persistence, and resilience as they relentlessly pursue their goals and dreams.
3
Stand out for their integrity, sportsmanship, and leadership, both on and off the field.
4
Show a strong willingness to learn, grow, and evolve as athletes and leaders, embracing every opportunity for development.
Athlete Grant Program Benefits
Financial Grant
Each program participant is eligible to receive a grant of up to $5,000 USD to help cover costs associated with training and competition expenses.
Personal and Professional Development
Participants benefit from tailored coaching and skills development, both individually and in group settings, designed to enhance their athletic performance and professional growth.
Leadership Development
Access to curated programming that focuses on building leadership skills, empowering athletes to lead both on and off the field.
Support Networks
Athletes expand their global network by connecting with fellow athletes, experts, world-class specialists, and leadership coaches, creating valuable opportunities for growth and collaboration.
PROGRAM ALUMNI
Meet the athletes in our growing community of SimiSleighs Foundation Athlete Grant Program alumni,
who are driving change and inspiring future generations.
PAIGE CROZON, OLY
Basketball (CANADA)
CLASS OF 2023
“As a mom and through my work with youth in indigenous communities, my hope is to push doors open and eliminate barriers to participation.”
TATYANA MCFADDEN, 7X PLY
Track & Field (USA)
CLASS OF 2023
“I continue to be a voice and leader in speaking, advocating and changing laws and perceptions to make sure access and inclusion are afforded to all around the world.”
HAYDY MORSY, 2X OLY
Modern Pentathlon (EGYPT)
CLASS OF 2023
“As an Egyptian female athlete in a country in which few women play sports, I’m focused on breaking this cultural norm by encouraging younger generations to participate in sports.”
JULIET MUEMA
Para Triathlon (KENYA)
CLASS OF 2024
“As a woman from an informal part of Kenya, I've broken barriers and shown resilience, inspiring transformation in myself and other women with disabilities.”
AZIZA SBAITY
Track & Field (LEBANON)
CLASS OF 2024
“While representing Lebanon, I've advocated for women, diversity, and education to create a more inclusive future both on and off the field.”
HELEN MAROULIS, 3X OLY
Wrestling (USA)
CLASS OF 2024
“Wrestling builds strength, confidence, and resilience. I’m dedicated to creating programs that help young athletes develop mental toughness.”
NICOLE SILVEIRA, OLY
Skeleton (BRAZIL)
CLASS OF 2024
“As the first female skeleton athlete from Latin America in the Olympics, I’ve shown that athletes from smaller nations can excel on the world stage and inspire the next generation to dream big.”
LEARN MORE
The SimiSleighs Foundation Athlete Grant Program is currently not accepting applications. To receive news and updates on future programs, events, how to get involved and more, sign up for our newsletter.