What is the mission of Athletes for America (AFA)?

Athletes for America (AFA) is a national network dedicated to utilizing the strength of athletes and the power of the American sports system to educate millions on emergency preparedness. Their mission is to promote and participate in training programs like CPR, First Aid, AED, and CERT, ensuring the nation is better prepared for any emergency.

What kind of emergency preparedness training does AFA promote?

AFA is committed to promoting and participating in essential emergency preparedness training programs. These include CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), First Aid, AED (Automated External Defibrillator) usage, and CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training. The goal is to equip individuals with the skills to act effectively when seconds matter.

Athletes for America: Empowering Athletes to Save Lives

SAVE A LIFE…
CHANGE THE WORLD!

What is the Great American 9/11 National Pickleball Rally supporting Athletes for America?

The Great American 9/11 National Pickleball Rally is an annual event held on September 11, 2026, where participants play and donate from their club or home court. The goal is to play one game to help save one life with one donation, supporting Athletes for America and heroic first responders. Thank you for your participation!

AMERICA'S NEW GENERATION OF FIRST RESPONDERS

AFA is a growing National Network of Athletes, sports teams and sports organizations that are committed to promoting and participating in emergency preparedness training programs (CPR, First Aid, AED, CERT) so that we as a Nation will be better prepared for any type of natural, manmade or day to day emergency.

What is the creed of Athletes for America?

“In the course of an athlete’s lifetime, we should hope and pray that not only will we be remembered for our athletic achievements, but more importantly for how we used our GOD given talents to give something good back to humanity.”

What is the motto of Athletes for America?

Protect 🇺🇸 Serve 🇺🇸 Educate 🇺🇸 Make a Difference

MISSION STATEMENT

“To utilize the strength of our Athletes and the power of the American sports system and media to help educate millions of Americans on how each one of us can become better prepared and trained for any type of natural, manmade or day to day emergency.”

When seconds matter, preparation saves lives

Every day, ordinary moments can turn extraordinary in an instant. A crisis. An emergency. A life hanging in the balance.
The question isn’t if you’ll face one —it’s whether you’ll be ready.

Born from the heartbreak of September 11th, Athletes for America has spent 25 years turning that question into action. We harness the discipline, courage, and competitive spirit of America’s athletes — channeling the power of sport into something greater than any game: the ability to save a life.

Through world-class training and education, we prepare young men and women to rise in any emergency — calm, capable, and ready to act when it matters most. One moment we can change everything. One person can too.

AFA Wall of Fame

ATHLETES FOR AMERICA

SAVE A LIFE…CHANGE THE WORLD!

Ryder Williams did just that on Saturday July 25, 2026 in Santa Cruz, California. He is a shining example of who and what AFA is all about!
Imagine if every athlete in America was trained and prepared to SAVE A LIFE how much safer our country would be!
Thank you, Ryder for your life-saving service!

Protect ★ Serve ★ Educate ★ Make A Difference

THE AFA STORY
2001-2026

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America's Largest 9/11 Pickleball Charity Event

2026
Pickle Rage
Fort Myers, Florida

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Generosity is the Beginning of Everything

How does Athletes for America create miracles?

ATHLETES FOR AMERICA is committed to saving lives, empowering athletes, and building a stronger nation — one community at a time.

Pillar 1
Donate Life-Saving Equipment

Provide free AEDs and other critical life-saving equipment to high schools and recreational facilities nationwide, ensuring every community has the tools to respond in an emergency.

Pillar 2
Prepare, Educate, Train

Equip high school, collegiate, and professional athletes with the knowledge and skills to save a life — through CPR training, AED certification, and emergency response education.

Pillar 3
Build a National Athlete Responder Network

Create a nationwide network of trained athletes committed to assisting America’s first responders during local, regional, and national emergencies — with on-campus “First Responder” programs built into high school and college athletic programs.

Pillar 4
Advance Life-Saving Legislation

Champion state-by-state legislation requiring every high school and collegiate athlete to be trained in CPR and AED use — making life-saving skills a standard part of athletic participation across the country.

Pillar 5
Celebrate Athletes Making a Difference

Shine a national spotlight on the best athletes — young and old — who are going beyond the game to serve their communities, their states, and their country.

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AFA Partnerships

AFA Supported Charities

AFA has donated to these fine charities.

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