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.
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.
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.
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 Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic or Paralympic Games, or the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic or Paralympic Games.
A proven history and current display of both high athletic performance and good sportsmanship.
No convictions for doping offenses or sanctions for actions contrary to the standards of the Olympic Charter, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), National Olympic Committees (NOCs), or National Paralympic Committees (NPCs).
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 April 2025 through September 2025.
18 years of age or older as of January 1, 2025.
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
(CLASS OF 2023)
BASKETBALL
(CANADA)
“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
(CLASS OF 2023)
TRACK & FIELD
(USA)
“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
(CLASS OF 2023)
MODERN PENTATHLON
(EGYPT)
“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
(CLASS OF 2024)
PARA TRIATHLON
(KENYA)
“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
(CLASS OF 2024)
TRACK & FIELD
(LEBANON)
“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
(CLASS OF 2024)
WRESTLING
(USA)
“Wrestling builds strength, confidence, and resilience. I’m dedicated to creating programs that help young athletes develop mental toughness.”
NICOLE SILVEIRA,
OLY
(CLASS OF 2024)
SKELETON
(BRAZIL)
“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.