Aaron Donald Joins ESPN Youth Sports Week

Los Angeles, California –The Aaron Donald 99 Foundation today announced that its founder, NFL legend and Super Bowl champion Aaron Donald, has joined ESPN’s Take Back Sports initiative as an official ambassador as part of “Youth Sports Week,” a three-week initiative running from April 13 through May 1 dedicated to celebrating the positive impact of youth sports on young athletes, families, and communities. As part of the initiative, ESPN and Disney are highlighting the people, programs, and organizations working to ensure that youth sports remain accessible, positive, and impactful for the next generation.

“Sports have always been a major part of my life, and I know firsthand the impact they can have on a young person,” said Aaron Donald. “Sports teach you discipline, teamwork, accountability, and how to overcome challenges. Through the Aaron Donald 99 Foundation, we want to help make sure young people have access to those same opportunities and have the support they need to grow both on and off the field.” Aaron Donald joins a growing group of athletes and influential voices participating in the Take Back Sports initiative, including Stephen Curry, Peyton and Eli Manning, A’ja Wilson, Lamar Jackson, and Francisco Lindor, among others. The ambassadors are committed to improving the youth sports experience and creating more opportunities for young athletes to participate, develop, and thrive. With only 38% of children playing sports on a regular basis, the Take Back Sports initiative focuses on making youth sports more accessible while encouraging positive experiences for young athletes, parents, coaches, and communities. The Aaron Donald 99 Foundation shares this commitment by supporting youth and communities through athletics, education, mentorship, and leadership development. The Foundation believes sports provide more than an opportunity to compete, they help young people build character, confidence, resilience, leadership, and lifelong skills.

“Youth sports provide much more than an opportunity to compete,” said Troy White, Executive Director of the Aaron Donald 99 Foundation. “They create environments where young people can learn teamwork, leadership, accountability, and perseverance. Our partnership with Take Back Sports reflects the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring that young people have access to positive experiences and the resources necessary to reach their full potential.” Throughout Youth Sports Week, ESPN will present dedicated content and storytelling across its platforms, highlighting the importance of youth sports participation, coaching, mentorship, and community engagement. The Aaron Donald 99 Foundation is proud to stand alongside ESPN, Disney, and its community partners in supporting the mission of Take Back Sports and helping ensure that young athletes have the opportunity to experience the positive impact of sports.