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 Inducts Three Into the 2026 Hall of Fame

August 26, 2026

Representative Patricia Haddad (legislative leadership), Representative John Barrett (legislative leadership), and Ryan McCarthy (baseball coach) have been selected for induction into the 2026 Bay State Games’ Hall of Fame. The inductees will receive their award at a pre-game ceremony at Fenway Park on Sunday, June 14 prior to the Red Sox game against Texas. The Bay State Games Hall of Fame was created to recognize past participants who have gone on to prestigious and successful athletic careers, as well as former and current coaches, officials, sports organizers, and volunteers who have made significant contributions to the organization throughout its 38-year history. Past inductees among the over 60 previous honorees include the NBA’s Dana Barros (‘06), Pat Connaughton (‘25) and the late Reggie Lewis (‘02); WNBA’s Rebecca Lobo (‘03); Major League Baseball’s Rich Hill (‘13); Olympians Nancy Kerrigan (‘07), Ada Korkhin (‘25) and Samantha Livingstone (‘18) and US Paralympic Gold Medalist Joe Lemar (‘15). “The Bay State Games is proud of the many athletes who have participated in the program and gone on to achieve success at the collegiate, professional, and Olympic levels. We are equally proud of the coaches, sport organizers, community leaders, and supporters whose dedication, expertise, and generosity have helped make the Bay State Games possible.” Said Kevin Cummings, the Bay State Games Executive Director. “We are honored to recognize this year's Hall of Fame class and celebrate the significant contributions each inductee has made to the Bay State Games. Their commitment, leadership, and lasting impact have strengthened the organization and enriched the experience of countless athletes throughout the Commonwealth.” REP. PATRICIA HADDAD - LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP Massachusetts State Representative Patricia Haddad championed state support for the Bay State Games for over two decades. She has supported the recreation, health, and education-based programs of the organization that benefit thousands of Massachusetts participants each year. A former teacher for 14 years, Rep. Haddad represented the 5th Bristol District for 25 years and served as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for ten years. REP. JOHN BARRETT - LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP Massachusetts State Representative John Barrett from Berkshire County has been a strong supporter of the Bay State Games since the mid-1980s. Rep. Barrett was instrumental in bringing the Winter Games to Berkshire County, where they have been held for over 35 years. He has served as State Representative for Berkshire County since 2017 and was formerly Mayor of North Adams for 26 years. Rep. Barrett is also a leading advocate of the statewide Summer Games. RYAN MCCARTHY - BASEBALL COACH Ryan McCarthy from Portsmouth has served as volunteer baseball coach at the Bay State Games for over two decades. He has led the Northeast team to numerous championship medals. Ryan has devoted more than 25 years to coaching high school student-athletes in both baseball and football at Triton Regional High School, Newburyport High School, and Dighton-Rehoboth High School. He has had a positive impact on countless Massachusetts high school student-athletes. For more on the Bay State Games Hall of Fame and past inductees, click here. https://www.baystategames.org/hall-of-fame

Bay State Games Announces 2026 Athletes of the Year

August 25, 2026

Bay State Games is excited to announce its selections for the 2026 Athlete of the Year Awards. Any athlete who participated in the 2026 Bay State Summer or Winter Games was eligible to be nominated for these awards. Selection is based on participation in the Games and other athletic achievements. The 2026 selections are: Female Youth Athlete – Dana Howling Wolf Keller Male Youth Athlete – Holden Choma Female Adult Athlete – Kiara Cabral Male Adult Athlete - Jacob DeAndrade Dana Howling Wolf Keller , 17, of Shrewsbury, is a senior at Notre Dame Academy in Worcester and an enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Native American Tribe. Volleyball has been a major part of her life. She started unable to serve over the net but, after countless hours of dedication, has turned serving into one of her strengths and learned that confidence is built through persistence. Dana plays setter and right side for her high school team and SLAM national club team, and captains both teams. She was named to the 2025 Central MA Athletic Conference All-Star Team and represented her school as a MIAA sportsmanship delegate. Dana represented the Central region for Girls Volleyball in the Bay State Games in 2024 & 2026. This year, she was also named the sportsmanship recipient for the Central Girls Volleyball team. Dana has also been a Bay State Games High School Ambassador. She has committed to continue playing volleyball in college at the University of St. Joseph (CT). Off the court, Dana extensively volunteers at the Shrewsbury Public Library and Shrewsbury Special Olympics. Notre Dame Academy honored her with the Katherine Forbes Eskrine Award for her community service. Dana is also active in her parish's youth group and has participated in several Catholic leadership programs. She aspires to become a forensic pathologist, and last summer served as a lab assistant to Dr. Ann Burgess in Boston College's Forensic Science Summer Program. Holden Choma, 17, of West Newbury, is a senior at Pentucket Regional High School. Holden has competed in Track and Field since his freshman year and specializes in the high jump. He dedicated himself to jumping higher, and in his first year, he improved from 5'2 to 6'6.75, and was at the top of the MIAA. He is also a 2x USATF Region 1 champion in the high jump. He also competed at the 2025 USATF Junior Olympics and was the 15-16 National Runner-Up. This year he faced a setback after suffering a patellar tendon tear on his jumping leg. After nearly a year to fully heal, he was the MIAA Division 5 champion in the spring, and this summer he competed in his second Bay State Games after winning silver in the 2025 high jump. Holden broke his slump by shattering a 30-year-old Bay State Games record in the high jump at 2.05m (6'8.75) and took home the gold medal. Outside of jumping, Holden enjoys volunteering at Ipswich Junior Sailing, teaching children how to sail safely, and now works as an instructor. As a member of his school's band, he marched in West Newbury's Veterans Day Parade and held a private performance for local veterans. Kiara Cabral, 23, of Somerset, is a recent graduate of Bridgewater State University. She also competed as a student-athlete on the track and field team in sprinting events. She had a storied career as a Bridgewater State Bear achieving accolades from the school to the national level. Kiara was named 2026 Woman’s Athlete of the Year by Bridgewater State and holds five school records in 60m Indoor, 200m Indoor, 400m Indoor + Outdoor, 500m Indoor, and 4x100 Outdoor. In the MASCAC conference she holds six championship titles which she earned from 2022 to 2026. The conference named Kiara Athlete of the Week on 21 occasions and she holds two conference records in the 4x100 and the 400m. Kiara was placed on the All-Academic team for three seasons and the Sportsmanship team once. She has been nationally recognized as an NCAA All-American and qualified for both the indoor and outdoor nationals in 2025 and the indoor nationals again in 2026. Kiara was first team All-American in the outdoor 4x100 relay in 2025 and the indoor 400m in 2026, and was named second team All-American for outdoor 400m in 2025. This summer, Kiara competed in the Bay State Games in the 100m and 200m events. She was the gold medalist in both events running a time of 12.51 in the 100m and 25.35 in the 200m. Kiara graduated last spring with a degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education. She has always had a passion for helping children understand and enjoy math, and will enter her first year teaching middle school math this fall. Jacob DeAndrade, 26 , of Foxboro, graduated from Bridgewater State University in 2024 with a Master of Business Administration and currently works in finance. Jacob was an accomplished student-athlete at Bridgewater State. In his rookie season at Bridgewater State, the school named him Rookie of the Year. He was a 10x Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference champion and a 3x member of the DIII All-Academic team. He is a 2x competitor in the Bay State Games Track and Field event. This year, Jacob had an especially impressive showing, earning gold in the 100m Open and 200m Open events with times of 10.83 and 22.04. In his free time, Jacob enjoys running, lifting, and playing soccer. Bay State Games Athlete of the Year recipients will receive a plaque commemorating their accomplishment. For more information on the Bay State Games Athlete of the Year program and past winners, go to www.baystategames.org/AOY .