Mia Hamm Foundation
The Mia Hamm Foundation is a non-profit organization in the United States that seeks to promote awareness and raise funds for families in need of a bone marrow or cord blood transplant. It is also dedicated to the development of more opportunities for young women to participate in sports. The organization is headquartered in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Founded | 1999 |
---|---|
Founder | Mia Hamm |
Type | Non-profit |
Location | |
Area served | United States |
Website | www.miafoundation.org |
History
The Mia Hamm Foundation was founded in 1999 following the death of Hamm's brother Garrett in 1997 from complications of aplastic anemia, a rare blood disease.[1][2][3] In 1998, Hamm organized the first annual fundraising event, the Garrett Game, in honor of her brother.[3] At the first event, players from the U.S. women's national soccer team played against top college players. Funds generated at the annual event are donated to bone marrow research organizations.[4] In 2007, the Foundation began hosting an annual All-Celebrity Soccer Challenge that brings many notable professional athletes and celebrities together to play in a 7-on-7 exhibition game. Previous participants have included: Kobe Bryant, Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Nomar Garciaparra.[5]
See also
References
- Frank, Anna Marie (2003). Sports and Education: A Reference Handbook. ABC-CLIO. p. 174. ISBN 185109525X.
- "Mia Hamm Foundation, Family House Donor". SECU Family House. Retrieved 16 November 2013.
- "Soccer star raising goals in women's sports". CNN. 2001. Retrieved 16 November 2013.
- Latimer, Clay (2001). Mia Hamm. Capstone. p. 36. ISBN 0736891811.
- Hoppes, Lynn (March 25, 2011). "Mia Hamm on celebrity soccer, live chat". CNN. Retrieved 16 November 2013.