Bay State Games Awarded a B.A.A. Gives Back Grant

November 24, 2025

Fall edition of the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program awards $125,000 to local non-profit organizations

Boston - Twelve organizations have been awarded a B.A.A. Gives Back Grant as part of the Fall edition. A total of $125,000 has been awarded to support their work that aligns with the Boston Athletic Association’s mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running, in order to build healthy communities.

Since the program’s inception in spring 2023, $773,000 has been awarded to 56 organizations across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with more applications being received with every edition.

Nicole Juri, Director of Development at the B.A.A. said, “The B.A.A. Gives Back Grant program is delighted to be able to support some incredible organizations with their important community work in this fall edition.

“We end the year with twelve selected organizations that we believe will use the funds to do great things to support athletes of all ages in getting and staying active. The impact of this program is far reaching, with 56 organizations receiving grants from us to date, and we look forward to continuing the growth and impact of this program in the years ahead.”

The B.A.A. awards monetary grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 through an application process open to all nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria:

Organization is a registered 501(c)(3) or a public agency.
Organization is not political.
Organization's program advances the B.A.A.'s mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running, in order to build healthy communities.
Organization is located in and serves residents of Massachusetts.

The next round of grant applications will launch in February 2026.

Find out more information HERE.

Fall 2025 B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Recipients:

Achilles International - Boston

Back on My Feet Boston

Bay State Games

Boston Educational Development Foundation

Boston Lions Track Club and Mentoring

Cops For Kids with Cancer, Inc.

Heroes In Transition

Massachusetts Wonderfund

Ohketeau Cultural Center

Run Your City

Soccer Without Borders Boston

WellStrong

Quotes from B.A.A. Gives Back Grant recipients:

Joseph LeMar, Chapter Lead, Boston, Achilles International: “Achilles Boston programming is free for our athletes with disabilities and always will be. This generous Gives Back Grant from the B.A.A. is instrumental to supporting our commitment to that promise. We are so grateful for the B.A.A. for helping us break down the financial barrier that stands in the way of the sport of running and social connection for people with disabilities.”

Nathan Watt, Chief Executive Officer, Back on My Feet: “The B.A.A. Gives Back Grant will help us get more of our members in Boston moving forward, on the roads and in their lives. With this support, Back on My Feet can expand access to early-morning running and walking groups, as well as the job training, education, and housing resources that follow. We’re grateful to the Boston Athletic Association for investing in a healthier, more connected community and for recognizing the power of running to change lives.”

Kevin Cummings, Executive Director of Bay State Games: “Bay State Games is honored and grateful to receive this community grant from the Boston Athletic Association Gives Back Program. This support will help us to expand recreation and education opportunities for youth and amateur athletes across Massachusetts, especially for underserved participants and communities.”

Kevin McCaffrey, Boston Educational Development Foundation: “It is hard to express how thankful I am to receive this grant. It will truly be instrumental in implementing our Spring Running Club programming at three elementary schools. The funds will be used to purchase running shoes and other equipment for our youth participants. It will help us to honor the commitment of our coaches by providing youth wellness opportunities. This award is very timely as it will allow us to add one and possibly two more sites for the spring by introducing it to schools who want to start a club, but do not have the funding set aside this year to do so.”

Tomorrow Peeples-Taylor, Boston Lions Track Club Founder and Head Coach: “We are deeply honored to receive the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant. This support helps us continue our mission of getting lives on track through track and field - providing youth with opportunities to grow as athletes, leaders, and community change makers. The Boston Lions Track Club is more than a team; we are a family committed to developing discipline, confidence, and resilience in every child we serve. We thank the B.A.A. for believing in our vision and investing in the future leaders of Boston.”

Mary Coulter-Bennett, Cops for Kids with Cancer Board Member: “The B.A.A. Gives Back Grant directly amplifies our ability to provide critical financial assistance to families of children with cancer. With this support, Cops for Kids with Cancer can help more families focus on what matters most—their child’s treatment and well-being.”

Silene Gordon, Executive Director, Heroes in Transition: “On behalf of Heroes In Transition, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Boston Athletic Association for your very generous donation in support of our Fitness In Real Motion (FIRM) program. Your contribution will have a profound impact on the lives of veterans, especially in encouraging them to maintain healthy and active lifestyles. This partnership is a testament to the B.A.A.'s dedication to our nation's heroes, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to helping those who have served. Your support is making a difference, and we look forward to continuing this important work together.”

Colleen Walsh, Director, Development & Communications of Massachusetts Wonderfund: "This grant from the B.A.A. means that more vulnerable children and teens engaged with the Department of Children and Families across Massachusetts will experience the positive benefits of joining a team with their friends, moving their bodies, and working towards a shared goal helping them to reach their highest potential and achieve better health outcomes."

Larry Spotted Crow Mann, Executive Director, Ohketeau Cultural Center: "The meaning of this grant is beyond words. We are deeply grateful, and we are excited to use this funding to support our Natives Run Youth event. Twenty-one miles of the Marathon route follow an ancient Nipmuc path that stretches back thousands of years and at the 2024 Boston Marathon we saw remarkable “firsts” for Native Americans across New England and history was made. For the first time ever, two Nipmuc runners completed the Boston Marathon in 2024. This extraordinary race has ignited inspiration among Tribal Citizens throughout New England—sparking a wave of motivation that continues to change lives. The Natives Run Youth event helps us prepare the next generation of athletes by providing meaningful opportunities, guidance, and encouragement for young Indigenous runners. Kuttubatomish! (thank you very much)"

Mary Blankemeier, Founder & CEO, Run Your City: "We are deeply honored to be recognized by the B.A.A., an organization that embodies the transformative power of running. This grant is a critical investment that directly enables our mission to remove barriers and provide every child with access to sports. With this support, we can keep our programs 100% free for every participant and empower more kids to reach their starting line, fostering the confidence and growth of young people in the Boston area and beyond.”

Bruno Contreras, Hub Director, Soccer Without Borders Boston: “We’re extremely excited to receive this funding. It will help us deliver a high-quality program across our two new middle-school sites in Framingham, covering transportation, league fees, and dedicated mentoring for more than 50 newcomer youth. This support comes at a critical moment, allowing us to continue breaking down barriers to participation so that every young person — regardless of their background or circumstances — can access a safe, welcoming, and empowering space through Soccer Without Borders.”

Alicia Conlin, Executive Director Wellstrong: "This grant from the Boston Athletic Association holds deep meaning for WellStrong. Our founder began by leading a small running group at a local recovery center, using movement as a pathway to hope. Today, this support makes it possible for our members in recovery to train, to run, and to continue proudly participating in the Falmouth Road Race, an event we’ve been honored to be part of for eight years. This grant helps reduce barriers, so even more runners can join us-crossing finish lines they once thought were impossible. For them, it’s not just running; it’s healing, confidence, and the powerful belief that they can reclaim their lives."

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Bay State Games Announces 2025 Future Leaders Scholarship Recipients

November 18, 2025

The Bay State Games has selected six statewide scholarship recipients for the 2025 Future Leaders Scholarship Program. These student-athletes were selected from a large applicant pool after a process that included committee reviews of all applications and virtual interviews with selected applicants. These future leaders were selected based on their achievements and involvement in academics, community service, athletics, and leadership roles. The Bay State Games Future Leaders Scholarship program was established in 1989 and has since distributed nearly $400,000 in financial aid. Each of these high school seniors will receive a $1,000 scholarship for their first year of college. “Bay State Games is proud to continue the Future Leaders Scholarship program which since 1989 has provided over $400,000 in aid to support the continuing education of outstanding young leaders." said Kevin Cummings, Executive Director of the Bay State Games. “These well deserving student-athletes have excelled in the classroom, on the field and in the community, representing a variety of schools, sports and regions across Massachusetts” This year’s six scholarship recipients are Elyse Bissada, Brooke Blahut, Abigail Howie, Olivia Laaper, Sabina Mackechnie, Molly McIntyre. Elyse Bissada is a senior at Dover-Sherborn High School, where she is a four-year varsity field hockey and track & field athlete, as well as the team captain for both sports. In 2025, Elyse was a member of the Bay State Games Southeast field hockey team where she won a gold medal. Elyse is the founder of the Veterinary Medicine Club at her school and in her free time volunteers at local farms and Animal Rescue Leagues across the state. Elyse has committed to play field hockey and study biology at Hamilton College, where she plans to pursue veterinary medicine and ultimately establish an affordable low-cost clinic that serves her community. Brooke Blahut is a senior at North Quincy High School where she is a 4-year varsity member of the soccer team, and captain of the varsity ice hockey team. Brooke is also a well accomplished figure skater. She began skating at age 2 at Winterland Skating School and is now a U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist. Brooke has participated in Bay State Games annually since 2016, medaled 6 times, and is a 4-year Bay State Games High School Ambassador. Brooke is also the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Ambassador for NQHS. Brooke is Vice President of her class, a member of the National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society and academically ranks in the top 5% of her class with a 4.6 GPA. Brooke is a two-time team leader and participant in the FBI Teen Leadership Academy and plans to pursue her master’s in forensic science and criminology and become an FBI Special Agent. Abigail Howie is a senior at Wilmington High School, where she is on the varsity soccer team and is captain of the Winter and Spring Track teams. Abigail serves as President of Student Council and the Wildcat Service Council, where she founded the “Bridging Generations” community initiative. She is a member of the National Honor Society, DECA, and Best Buddies. Abigail coaches a Wilmington fourth-grade team and is a USSF-certified soccer referee. She has most recently created an Alzheimer's Awareness community service project for her senior year. She hopes to continue her athletic career in college while studying sports management and marketing. Olivia Laaper resides in Stow and is a senior at Fusion Academy in Burlington. Laaper has been a captain of multiple high school sports teams including Track & Field and Swimming. Olivia is captain of her archery team at Riverside Archers and has won multiple medals in archery at Bay State Games and state competitions. Beyond athletics, Olivia has gained hands-on experience in emergency medicine as a high school intern with Pro EMS and plans to take her EMT certification this fall. She gives back to her community by lifeguarding and coaching youth swimming at Goldfish Swim School, volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters and at local food banks. In college, Olivia plans to pursue a degree in nursing with a minor in emergency medicine and psychology. Sabina Mackechnie is a senior at East Longmeadow High School where she is a three sport athlete and captain in Soccer, Basketball and Lacrosse. She has earned all-league and second-team All-Western Mass honors in soccer and lacrosse. Sabina has been a By State Games Ambassador for two years and is a member of her school's Athletic Leadership Council and Pink Ribbon Club. Sabina participates in canned food drives and fundraisers for her school sports teams. Sabina will continue her lacrosse career at Springfield College while pursuing a degree in Education. Molly McIntyre is a senior at Norton High School where she is a three-sport captain in cross country, basketball, and outdoor track, earning multiple TVL All-Star honors, and MVP awards. Molly serves in key leadership roles on Student Council, DECA, Best Buddies, and five National Honor Societies. She volunteers at local youth sports programs, community events, and the MSG Gregory Trent Foundation. Molly works part-time at a donut shop and local ice cream store. She plans on attending Stonehill College where she will compete in track and study Finance and Marketing. For more information on the Future Leaders Scholarship Program, click here. For a list of past recipients and the colleges and universities they've attended, click here . About the Massachusetts Amateur Sports Foundation/Bay State Games The Massachusetts Amateur Sports Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was established in 1982 to host the first sanctioned state games of the Commonwealth. It operates with the mission of promoting personal development, education, physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship to Massachusetts citizens of all ages and abilities. The Foundation is recognized for hosting high quality, Olympic-style events through the Bay State Summer and Winter Games, as well as educational programs, including the Future Leaders Scholarship Program, and the High School Ambassador Program.