Community Corner

Nonprofit Raising Funds for Student's Olympics Training

The Athlete Connection is looking to raise $3,000 for Nico Mukendi's upcoming expenses.

Athletic Standard and its nonprofit partner, The Athlete Connection, today announced the launch of a new website where individuals can donate to help support the training of U.S. Team Handball hopeful, Hillsborough High School senior Nico Mukendi.

Mukendi, 18, was introduced to the handball National Team last year, after performance testing by Athletic Standard at Hillsborough High School showed his athleticism and skill to be a perfect fit for the team. The handball team has contracted with Athletic Standard to help find undiscovered players to compete at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.      

Unlike many other nations, the United States Olympic Committee does not receive direct federal funding for athlete programs, so athletes like Mukendi rely on donations from people who believe in the power of sports to support their Olympic dreams. Donations made through the site will allow him to train at a handball facility in Nyack, N.Y., this summer, towards the ultimate goal of competing in Rio.    

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“Nico is one of many student-­athletes in this country who have the potential to play at the international level, but need support from his country and community to do so,” said Athletic Standard CEO and founder Thomas Newman. “We’ve heard from many people in his hometown who learned of Nico’s stor and want to help. The Athlete Connection website was built in response to that.”    

Tax‐deductible donations made through The Athlete Connection will pay for Mukendi’s travel and equipment, as well as contribute towards his educational expenses. Mukendi is aiming for a residency with the team, which will allow him to train at one of its national facilities while attending college nearby.  

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The Athlete Connection provides financial resources to student-­athletes who exhibit extraordinary qualities both in and out of the classroom, and on and of the playing field, and is committed to helping Mukendi achieve his long-­term educational and career goals.

“We are so pleased to be able to help such an outstanding athlete and young man,” said Paul Martin, CEO and founder of The Athlete Connection. “We believe nothing should stand in the way of Nico and his competitive potential—especially  not  financial   reasons.”      

The Mukendi family moved to Hillsborough more than a decade ago in search of a community that better reflected the diversity of their own family. Didier, Nico’s father, immigrated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while his mother, Wendy, grew up in California. They are thrilled at the town’s showing of support for Nico.    

“When you have someone in the community who has a chance to do something special, people want to contribute to something greater than themselves,” said Wendy Mukendi. “Of course, we are humbled and grateful for any assistance.”    

For his part, Nico Mukendi is excited for whatever the future holds.      

“It just feels good to be representing the town,” Nico said. “This is for all the kids who don’t have the opportunity to do what I'm doing now.”      

Athletic Standard and The Athlete Connection are hoping to raise $3,000 for Mukendi by the end of the school year. Donations can be made online by check, mailed to The Athlete Connection, 15506 Moorpark St. #106, Encino, Calif. 91436.        


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