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Allyson Felix partners with Athleta to create a childcare fund to support athletes in the Tokyo Olympics

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Two years after Allyson Felix called for brands to provide maternity protections for athletes, the five-time Olympian and her sponsor, Athleta are making a major push to support mothers after leaving Nike. 

Felix continues to make an effort to support more women in sports after Nike was “beyond disrespectful and tone-deaf” after being disregarded when she had her daughter, Camyrn. Most athletes do not receive support from corporate sponsors when they have child(ren) so this shifts many brands to do better in backing more female athletes.

The new partnership with Athleta and The Power of She Fund: Child Care Grants  committed $200,000 to professional athlete mothers. This will include those going to the Tokyo Olympics as well. 

“As a mom and an athlete, I know first-hand the obstacles women face in sports,” Felix stated. “It was important to me and to Athleta that our partnership reflects that I am more than just an athlete. In fact, part of my contract includes provisions for my daughter, Camryn, to join me whenever I am competing.”

Nine athletes including Gwen Berry, Natasha Hastings, Alpine Tuliamuk are grant recipients and will receive $10,000 each. 

The main goal is to help mothers who are in sports balance motherhood. Athletes can apply for grants now until August 31 where more recipients will be announced sometime in October. 

“These grants are about showing the industry that all mom-athletes need this same comprehensive support to be able to participate in their athletic endeavors,” Felix said.

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