New York Times spotlights Friends of the Children in Simone Biles Feature

The New York Times spotlights Simone Biles as both a World Champion gymnast and youth advocate in her work with Friends of the Children, read the full article here.

The feature shares Simone’s experience in foster care from the age of 3 to 6, and Anders Allison, Program Manager and Professional Mentor at Friends of the Children – Austin, notes that Simone shares her own story and “makes the kids believe that they could do anything, like she has done.”

Over the years, Simone has worked directly with youth across the Friends of the Children network, hosting virtual gymnastics stretching sessions and inviting children to her hometown gym in Spring, Texas. These moments of connection have inspired youth to dream big and have shown them that their circumstances do not define their potential or their ability to reach goals.

It is undeniable that Simone Biles is the GOAT of gymnastics. However, she wants to be remembered for much more, telling The New York Times that it is important to her that people say, “look at all the stances she took…how powerful she is…look at what she’s doing now and helping out her community.”

We are honored to have Simone Biles as such a fierce advocate for our work and a partner to Friends of the Children. Read the full article here.