You know how Olympic and Paralympic athletes go around and speak at schools and do other types of education-related events? How do they get those gigs?

Well, there are organizations who help with that. Athletes for Hope is one of those connecting organizations who work with athletes on causes that are near and dear to them and connect them to schools and non-profits so they can do speaking and other types of advocacy work.

Today we're talking with Jason Belinkie, chief executive officer of Athletes for Hope and Jenny Sichel, a Rio 2016 silver medalist in para mixed fours rowing to learn how Athletes for Hope came about, how athletes participate, and the positive impacts they can have on youth.

Athletes for Hope is having its annual Play for Good Gala on Saturday, December 6, 2025 in Washington D.C. Find out more here.

Follow Ahtletes for Hope on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

In other Olympics and Paralympics news:

Milano-Cortina 2026 has released more tickets for the Opening Ceremonies, and the Ice House is coming!

LA 2028 announced ticket sales information and some new sponsors.

Salt Lake City 2034 announced an innovative Games funding drive.

New International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry announced some interesting working groups that could bring some changes to the IOC and the Olympics themselves.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.

Like this episode? Have thoughts on the show? Comment/write us a review, and you may be our review of the week!

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

Photos courtesy of Athletes for Hope.

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Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz, for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes, coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tune in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. ***

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