Uplifting Athletes is a non-profit organization that provides a platform for college football to raise awareness about rare diseases. The organization connects college football players, fans, and communities to raise awareness of more than 7,000 known rare diseases that impact millions of people. Uplifting Athletes was founded in 2003 and utilizes the national network of college football by organizing, fundraising, and educating their cause, notably through their 'Lift for Life' campaign. These activities focus on the development of athletes as leaders while making a difference in communities. It also recognizes players who significantly contribute to the rare disease community through the Rare Disease Champion Award, which acknowledges advocacy and leadership work.
List of Uplifting Athletes WinnersYear by Year
Below is the year-by-year list of winners of the Uplifting Athletes Award.
| Year | Recipient | Position | Institution |
| 2009 | Grant Teaff | Executive Director | American Football Coaches Association |
| 2010 | Ian Mitchell | Quarterback | Dickinson College |
| 2011 | Jordan Culbreath | Running Back | Princeton University |
| 2012 | Rex Burkhead | Running Back | University of Nebraska |
| 2013 | Eric Shrive | Offensive Lineman | Penn State |
| 2014 | C.J. Zimmerer | Fullback | University of Nebraska |
| 2015 | Sammie Coates | Wide Receiver | Auburn University |
| 2016 | Jake Olson | Long Snapper | University of Southern California |
| 2017 | Mitchell Meyers | Defensive End | Iowa State University |
| 2018 | Shaquem Griffin | Linebacker | University of Central Florida |
| 2019 | Joshua Eargle | Offensive Coordinator | Austin Peay State University |
| 2020 | Josephus Smith | Defensive Tackle | Austin Peay State University |
| 2021 | Sam Fraley | linebacker/long snapper. | Temple University |
| 2022 | Tylee Craft | Wide Receiver | University of North Carolina |
| 2023 | Taylor de Boer | Volleyball | University of Illinois |
FAQs on Uplifting Athletes
A. A non-profit organisation that utilizes college athletics to raise awareness for rare diseases
A. Uplifting Athletes is an award recognizing individuals making an impact on rare disease communities.
A. Uplifting Athletes was founded in 2003 at Penn State University.
A. ‘Life For Life’ is a fundraising event for rare disease research.
