Athlete Grant Program
TThe SimiSleighs Foundation Athlete Grant Program advances gender equality by empowering female Olympic and Paralympic athletes—and hopefuls—from around the world. We provide essential resources, support, and tools, combining financial grants with dedicated leadership development to help athletes maximize their potential and amplify their impact both on and off the field.
The Athlete Grant Program is a comprehensive, six-month virtual leadership program designed for rising female leaders in sport. Throughout the program, participants engage in monthly virtual sessions focused on personal and professional growth, skill-building, mentorship, and expanding their global networks.
TIn addition to the programmatic elements, active participants are eligible to receive up to $5,000 USD in grant funding to cover approved expenses directly related to training, travel, equipment, and competition preparation for the upcoming Olympic or Paralympic Games
By the end of the six months, athletes emerge with enhanced leadership capabilities, a broader global perspective, and a clear vision for how to leverage their platform to drive meaningful social change
Launched in 2023, our program is building toward a bold 10-year goal: investing $1,000,000 USD in elite female athletes over the next decade.
The 2027 program year will run from January to June 2027.
The application for the 2027 SimiSleighs Foundation Athlete Grant Program is now open! You can review the full eligibility requirements and program guidelines, and submit your application here. Applications are due by Friday, October 16th, 2027 at 11:59 PM EST.
THE GROWING IMPACT OF OUR ATHLETE GRANT PROGRAM
$100K+
Direct grant funding awarded to elite female athletes competing on the world stage—with continuous investment in each new class.
10+ Countries
Represented across 13 sports disciplines, building a broader global network with every cohort..
25+ Medals
Olympic and Paralympic medals won by supported athletes championing critical causes worldwide—a tally that continues to grow.
READY TO LEVEL UP WITH THE ATHLETE GRANT PROGRAM?
We're looking for female athletes from every corner of the world who are changing the game on and off the field of play. 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.
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:
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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.
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2
Strive for excellence in everything they do, demonstrating determination, persistence, and resilience as they relentlessly pursue their goals and dreams.
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3
Stand out for their integrity, sportsmanship, and leadership, both on and off the field.
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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.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS MUST DEMONSTRATE THAT THEY MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA
Female athletes who are currently active members of a National Team and/or training to represent their country at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic or Paralympic Games, or the Alpes 2030 Olympic or Paralympic Games.
A proven history and current display of both high athletic performance and good sportsmanship.
No convictions for doping offenses or actions contrary to the standards of the Olympic Charter, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), National Olympic Committees (NOCs), National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), or any relevant sport governing body. Candidates with past, fully served sanctions may be considered on a case-by-case basis provided they are in good standing with their governing bodies, have demonstrated full reinstatement, show a commitment to clean sport leadership, and have no history of repeat offenses (limited to a single past violation).
A strong commitment to using sport as a platform for community impact and global change.
Fluent in English.
Willingness and ability to fully engage in the holistic monthly virtual programming from January 2027 through June 2027.
18 years of age or older as of January 1, 2027.
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.”
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
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
The SimiSleighs Athlete Grant Program is accepting applications! Submit yours by Friday, October 16th, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. This is your chance to turn your passion for sport into a force for positive change on a global scale. Before applying, please review the eligibility guidelines and program criteria to ensure a strong application.
REVIEW FULL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND PROGRAM GUIDELINESC
If after reviewing our full eligibility requirements, program guidelines and FAQs, you still have questions, please contact us
info@simisleighsfoundation.org