Gio Toribio is six. He just beat cancer AND the entire New York Jets' defensive line.
This is what happens when sports and charity collide -- and why shouldn't it be? For literally thousands of years, sport has brought mankind together. Entire countries and nations have forgotten their differences in celebration of sport. Now, America's (and the world's) professional athletes are taking it upon themselves to push progressive charitable agendas, because in today's world, coming together and forgetting our differences just isn't enough.
In case you've been living under a rock...
If you have in fact been living under a rock and you need to read it again to believe it, then here you go: Lebron James just opened his own school. The King's moves to bring free education (on a limited basis) to his hometown of Akron, Ohio has been met with both staunch criticism and overwhelming support. Personally, we're here for it. We're also for here for Universal Ice Cream (it's like universal healthcare, but with ice cream) so who knows -- maybe it's an unpopular opinion.
The fact of the matter is that these people, the men and women who dedicate their lives to our entertainment, aren't going anywhere and chances are, their charitable initiatives are only going to increase in scope and number.
Take Derek Rose, for example:
Just a few days before James' I Promise School opened its front doors, Rose announced a massive scholarship program he'll be running for high school students across the country. This isn't the first time Rose has donated big bucks to those in need: In 2014, he gave $1 million to After School Matters, a Chicago-based non-profit program.
The players of the NBA may be flopping more, they may be drama-driven and occasionally conceited, but they're making up for their on-court antics with off-court extra-curriculars worthy of praise and support. The same can be said of the NFL's players.
And then there's this guy:
Kylian Mbappe, France's darling soccer star and recent winner of the World Cup, donated his winnings from the competition to Premiers de Cordée, an organization that helps children with disabilities play sports. That is the definition of a stand-up dude right there.
But the list doesn't stop there!
Steph Curry, Serena Williams, Christiano Ronaldo, John Cena, Ronda Rousey, Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning -- these are just a select few athletes among many, many others who have donated millions to those in need.
Google a few of your favorite professional athletes to see the charities and funds they support and -- if you have the means -- lend a helping hand! There can never be too much good in this world of ours. (That's my sneaky way of saying that none of my co-workers can complain when the Patriots reclaim their throne atop the NFL with another Super Bowl victory. #SorryNotSorry)