Opportunities on the Biggest Stage

Photo courtesy of Cheryl Treworgy

"The NSAF gave Mike the opportunity to practice on a big stage, which I believe has served him well as he’s gone on to compete on the professional and Paralympic level." - Coach Sonja Robinson, who has coached Mike Brannigan (above) since 2015.

Hello Friends,

I hope everyone is enjoying the gift of loved ones this holiday season.

Today we wrap up our stories of how the NSAF supports young people, on and off the track. Since 1991, the NSAF has provided over $4 million in grants to Olympic champions in sport and in life. Today we introduce you to one such champion--Paralympic gold medalist and two-time HS national champion Mike Brannigan. Part of what makes Mike's story so special is that he has redefined what an athlete with autism can achieve. This is a story about perseverance and overcoming obstacles few of us encounter.

What is threaded through Mike's story, like so many others, is how the NSAF helped Mike on his path to greatness. With your support we can provide even more assistance and life-changing opportunities to countless others. Please consider a donation today and thank you again for your support this year. We couldn't do what we do without you.

Josh Rowe
CEO, NSAF

Be part of our continuing Legacy

Our goal: $100,000 by December 31, 2022

Your impact: Help 5,000 athletes achieve their dreams

We ask you to consider YOUR legacy, ensuring that we can continue to serve the track and field community today, tomorrow, together. Learn more about the NSAF Legacy Fund here.

Photo courtesy of USATF-Long Island

“Through those important races in Greensboro and at the Armory, we watched him become at ease with the travel and the crowds and the pressure. It was the perfect experience to seamlessly transition to running for Team USA on the international stage. He learned from other runners how to behave like a pro and what was expected of him at these important races.”

-- Edie Brannigan, reflecting on meets like the NSAF's 2014 Outdoor Nationals, where her son Mike (at right) with Northport teammates Jack (left) and Tim McGowan (center), celebrated after all three had broken 9:00 for 2 miles in the same race.

When Mike Brannigan and his Northport teammates came to the NSAF's Outdoor Nationals in 2014, they were ready to make history in the 2 Mile and 4x1 Mile Relay. Meanwhile -- fueled by the big stage opportunity provided by the NSAF -- Mike was taking the next step on an incredible journey that would lead to gold medals at the Paralympics and Para World Championships and a sub-4:00 mile in the years ahead. Read Mike's story HERE.

DONATE TODAY

Three easy ways for you to get involved today:

GIVE. Your financial investment in the NSAF will help ensure that we can continue to provide kids with life-changing experiences, which in turn, will empower them to build a lasting and valuable legacy. Without your support, thousands of kids will not have access to the scholarship grant opportunities our programs make possible.
SHARE. Words are a powerful tool. We know our programs have had a major impact on so many lives. Share with us how our events helped shape you or your family's legacy. Share your NSAF story here.
ENGAGE. By following us on social media and engaging in and sharing our content, you can both inspire and be inspired. And if you do post, don’t forget to use our hashtags so we can re-share your content: #NSAFlegacy #LegacyFund2022