As the 2024 Paris Olympics cruise toward the Closing Ceremony later this week, gymnast Simon Biles proves that, despite being in foster care, you can dream big and live your best life.
Imagine you’re six years old and a stranger comes to your home. That stranger says you can’t live there anymore and takes you to another stranger’s home to live. Within a few minutes, everything you know has changed. It feels like your hopes and dreams are no longer possible.
Biles, a name synonymous with gymnastics excellence, has captivated the world with her extraordinary talent, strength and resilience. Her journey to becoming one of the most decorated gymnasts in history is not just a tale of physical prowess, but also one of overcoming significant personal challenges, including spending her early childhood in foster care. Simone’s story is a powerful testament to the triumph of the human spirit and the impact of perseverance and determination.
A Rocky Start
A familiar history for so many kids in care, Simone’s mother struggled with substance abuse, which led to Simone and her siblings being placed in foster care. These early years were marked by uncertainty and instability. However, when her grandfather and his wife adopted Simone and her sister Adria, her life took a positive turn.
Igniting the Dream
Simone’s grandparents provided the stability, love and support that she needed to thrive. They moved the family to Spring, Texas, where Simone’s journey in gymnastics began. During a daycare field trip to a local gymnastics center, her natural talent for gymnastics was discovered. The coaches noticed her extraordinary energy and agility, and they encouraged her to pursue the sport seriously.
Through hard work and determination, Simone quickly progressed through the levels of gymnastics, showcasing her incredible skill. By 2011, she was competing at the national level, and in 2013, she won her first World Championship all-around title. This victory marked the beginning of her dominance in the sport. Simone’s success is not just a result of her physical abilities, but also her mental fortitude. With a total of 32 Olympic and World Championship gold medals, including the Paris Olympics, she is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.
Simone Biles’ journey from foster care to gymnastics greatness is a story of resilience and strength. Her success serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that no matter the challenges, it is possible to rise above them and achieve greatness. Simone’s impact reaches far beyond the gymnastics floor; she is proof that hopes and dreams don’t have to end because of being in foster care.
Changing the Story
There are just under 10,000 children and youth in foster care in Arizona. Many of them have experienced the same rocky start to life as Simone Biles. And just like Simone, they can dream big and chase their dreams. Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF) is here to help them do that. By funding activities like gymnastics, swimming and other sports, we help change the story for kids in care, giving them the ability to engage in the same childhood experiences that their non-foster care peers enjoy. Experiences that could open the doors to big dreams and even bigger opportunities.
The Next Simone Biles
Right now, the next Simone Biles could be in foster care right here in Arizona. Or the next Michael Phelps. Or the next Allyson Felix. Your donation to AFFCF could give the next Olympic champion the support they need to find their passion and the ability to take their talent and skills to the next level.
Because AFFCF is a Qualifying Foster Care Organization (QFCO #10023), your donation can earn you a credit on your Arizona state taxes, up to $1,173 for couples and $587 for individuals. If you expect to break even or get a refund on your Arizona state taxes, the amount you donate will be added, dollar for dollar, to your refund. If you expect to owe income tax to the state, your contribution will directly reduce the amount of your debt, also dollar for dollar. It’s a win-win – give today!