ATHLETE GRANT PROGRAM
The SimiSleighs Foundation Athlete Grant Program aims to advance gender equality by empowering female Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls from around the world with the support and tools they need to elevate their capacity to change the game on and off the field of play.
MEET OUR CLASS OF 2024!
The 2024 cohort includes a top-ranked Kenyan para triathlete, a trailblazing Lebanese sprinter, an American wrestling legend, and a barrier-breaking Brazilian skeleton racer, advocating for important causes such as social justice, equality, inclusivity, accessibility, mental health, and LGBTQ+ representation.
They’re deeply dedicated athletes who are equally passionate about fueling positive change in the world. They are rising leaders, bold thinkers, curious minds with authentic voices, poised to write their own history. They’re dreaming of their place on the podium and how it can serve as a vehicle for changing the world.
Juliet Mwongeli Muema is a 39-year-old Para-triathlete hailing from Kenya, where she currently serves as the Women-empowerment Program Officer at the Action Foundation Kenya. Growing up in Nairobi, she developed a deep passion for sports from a young age. Despite facing challenges stemming from her visual impairment, she tenaciously pursued her love for paracycling.
Transitioning to paratriathlon, Juliet found her true calling and has since showcased her exceptional talent and skillset on the global stage. Recently selected to represent Kenya and Africa at a prestigious paracycling training camp in Aigle, Switzerland, she is making waves in the world of adaptive sports.
Beyond her athletic endeavors, Juliet is a dedicated advocate for inclusivity and accessibility in sports. Collaborating with various organizations, she actively raises awareness about the unique challenges faced by female athletes with disabilities and advocates for equal opportunities in sports.
With her eyes set on competing at the Paralympic Games, Juliet continues to mentor women and girls with disabilities, embodying the power of resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles. Her journey stands as a living testament to the remarkable heights one can reach through unwavering dedication and perseverance.
JULIET MUEMA
PARA TRIATHLON (KENYA)
PARIS 2024 HOPEFUL
Top-ranked Para-Triathlete and dedicated advocate for inclusivity and accessibility in sports
Aziza Sbaity's journey is a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Born to a Liberian mother and Lebanese father, she found solace and community through sports after relocating to Lebanon at 11, where she encountered bullying and racism. Drawing on her passion for athletics, Aziza has become a trailblazer in advocating for social change.
Currently collaborating with Lebanese Young Talents (LYT), an NGO committed to identifying and nurturing young talent, Aziza is dedicated to empowering future generations and addressing issues of race and inclusion. Her recent victories in the Arab Championships and West Asian Championships have not only made her the first black athlete from Lebanon to achieve such milestones but have also gained international recognition, with the BBC highlighting her as a pioneer for positive change in Lebanese society.
Recipient of the President’s Athletics Scholarship at the American University of Beirut, Aziza is pursuing her MBA while training rigorously for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. As the first professional Black woman athlete to represent Lebanon, she continues to inspire and lead by example, both on and off the field.
AZIZA SBAITY
TRACK & FIELD (LEBANON)
PARIS 2024 HOPEFUL
Trailblazing sprinter and passionate champion for social justice and equality
Helen Maroulis is a trailblazing Olympian who achieved a historic victory at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, securing the first-ever gold medal in wrestling for an American woman. Following her remarkable success, Helen demonstrated her resilience and determination by claiming a prestigious bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games after overcoming formidable obstacles.
Her inspiring journey from triumph to triumph has been immortalized in the captivating documentary "Helen Believe," produced by Chris Pratt and directed by Dylan Mulick. Premiering at the esteemed Santa Barbara Film Festival and captivating audiences in over 700 theaters nationwide in March 2023, Helen's story continues to inspire and motivate countless individuals worldwide.
Born in Rockville, Maryland, Helen Maroulis discovered her passion for wrestling at the age of seven and has since represented the United States on over 13 World and Olympic teams. A fervent advocate for mental and physical health, brain injury awareness, and overall well-being, Helen actively contributes to various organizations such as Wrestle Like a Girl, Beat the Streets (DC), and When We Band Together (Lesvos, Greece).
Currently preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Helen Maroulis exemplifies perseverance, excellence, and a commitment to serving communities both at home and abroad.
HELEN MAROULIS, 2X OLY
WRESTLING (USA)
PARIS 2024 HOPEFUL
Legendary wrestling champion and fervent advocate for mental health
Nicole Rocha Silveira is a trailblazing Brazilian Olympian with a diverse and impressive sports background. From dance and gymnastics to CrossFit, Olympic weightlifting, and even bobsled, Nicole's passion for excellence shines through in every discipline she tackles. Hailing from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Nicole's love for sports, the outdoors, family, and dogs has fueled her remarkable journey to success.
Nicole made history as the first female Brazilian skeleton competitor at the Olympic Games, where she showcased her resilience and talent with a historic 13th-place finish in 2022. Her groundbreaking achievements serve as inspiration for aspiring athletes worldwide.
Off the track, Nicole is a dedicated mentor and advocate for inclusion and excellence in sports. Alongside her girlfriend, she champions LGBTQ+ representation and works tirelessly to make a positive impact both on and off the field.
With a background in nursing and holistic nutrition coaching, Nicole promotes holistic wellness and healthy living while inspiring others to chase their dreams and push their limits in a positive and sustainable way.
NICOLE SILVEIRA, OLY
SKELETON (BRAZIL)
MILANO CORTINA 2026 HOPEFUL
Barrier-breaking Winter Olympian, advocate for inclusion in sports and champion for LGBTQ+ representation
CLASS OF 2023
PAIGE CROZON
OLY Hopeful
Basketball (CANADA)
Mom-athlete and sport for youth empowerment leader
“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
6X PLY
Track and Field (USA)
Wheelchair racing legend and disability rights activist
“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)
Barrier-breaker and leading voice for women in sport
“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.”
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
A holistic one-year program, it equips rising leaders with the tools they need through meaningful experiences and practical skill building. During the program, grant recipients participate in monthly virtual events designed to nurture their personal and professional development, enhance their ability to lead and expand their global network. As part of the program support, grant recipients are also eligible to receive financial assistance of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000 USD), which may be used to cover approved expenses related to training to represent their country at an upcoming Olympic or Paralympic Games.
The program launched in 2023 and is expected to scale in future years on a path to award $1M USD in grant funding to elite female athletes in the next decade. Upon completion of the program, participants will have gained a deeper understanding of how their influence as athletes advances their ability to enact change. Participants will also gain a broader global perspective, access to experienced mentors and an opportunity to expand their vision and strengthen their voice.
ATHLETE GRANT PROGRAM BENEFITS
Financial Support
Each individual grantee will be granted an award of up to $10,000 USD to pay for costs associated with athlete training and competition expenses.
Personal and Professional Development
Grant recipients receive individual and group coaching and skills development training.
Leadership Development
Access to highly curated programming designed to strengthen and enhance athletes’ ability to lead.
Support Networks
Athletes expand their global network by connecting with other athletes and opportunities to connect with expert volunteers, world-class specialists, innovators and leadership coaches.
LEARN MORE
The SimiSleighs Athlete Grant Program is not currently accepting applications. To receive news and updates on future programs, events, how to get involved and more, sign up for our newsletter.