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Soccer Without Borders (SWB) is excited to announce the 12 members of our 2024 TCS New York City Marathon team! These runners may be joining us from a variety of locations, experiences, and backgrounds, but are all united by their love for soccer and their enthusiasm for SWB! On November 3rd, Team SWB will be among a race field of 50,000 people winding their way through New York City's five boroughs.
“SWB has been incredibly fortunate to have been a partner of the NY Marathon for nearly 10 years,” says Senior Advancement Coordinator Sophie Goethals. “We really appreciate this innovative and engaging way to not only raise funds for SWB programs, but to expand our web of community.”
“For over seven months,” explained Sophie, “Team SWB has trained together, cheered for each other, exchanged fundraising tips, and shared anecdotes about their personal lives. It's incredible to watch the team camaraderie grow! Beyond the friendships that are built within this team of runners, we're grateful to Team SWB for the funds they raise! Their fundraising efforts enable us to expand our soccer, education, and community-building programming for newcomer youth across the United States and in Nicaragua and Uganda!”
The TCS New York City Marathon is a major fundraising event for Soccer Without Borders and the runners have the opportunity to support a specific regional hub, gender equity programming, anti-racism initiatives, or all SWB programs.
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Meet Team SWB 2024:
Lindsay Bettinger (San Francisco, California)
“Soccer has always been a huge part of me and my family’s life. I along with my two older sisters played the game from a young age until college. Soccer taught me so many valuable skills and I am so fortunate to have had the opportunities I had through the game. SWB is such an inspiring organization to me, as I hope I am able to help give young kids opportunities through soccer. My family has been very involved in SWB for the past decade, specifically the Bay Area chapter. I look forward to watching SWB continue to grow and use soccer as a vehicle for positive change in the world.”
Luca Capacardo (New York, New York)
“I’m Luca Capacardo and I’m originally from Italy. I’ve always been passionate about sport and as a former track & field athlete and soccer fan I believe in the power of sport to promote inclusion and a healthy lifestyle. I am excited to run my first marathon and to support SWB.”
Kerri Darling (New York, New York)
Soccer has been a significant part of Kerri's life for many years, helping to shape the person she is today, which is why she views SWB as such a special organization. This is Kerri's second year running the NYC marathon in support of the amazing mission driving SWB. This year, she is looking forward to supporting SWB Nicaragua and helping young girls to achieve their higher education goals.
Gabby DePetro (New York, New York)
Gabby is a first-time marathoner who is thrilled to be crossing off this bucket-list item as she runs in support of SWB Girls' Programming, advancing gender equity and inclusion through the beautiful game. Sports have been an integral component of Gabby's life, from youth recreational leagues, to years of club soccer, to high school athletics and ultimately collegiate-level field hockey. The life lessons, leadership skills, and empowerment gained through team sports have had an invaluable impact on her, and Gabby is honored to run the 2024 NYC Marathon in support of an organization devoted to providing access to the powerful game of soccer all over the world - an opportunity all youth should have.
Sergio Flores (Washington DC)
"I am running with SWB because I believe in their mission and I hope to help further their cause through this marathon and continued future engagement and support. As a former soccer player, a life-long athlete, and someone who devotes his professional career towards mission-driven work and helping underserved communities, I'm always looking for avenues to generate impact. Being able to also do this through sport was something I hadn't previously considered, but it makes so much sense and so I'm really excited to be part of the SWB team!"
Malcom Gewirz (New York, New York)
Malcom is excited to be running and supporting SWB during this year's 2024 NYC Marathon. Growing up playing soccer and as a college athlete, Malcom understands the power that sports can play in life. The lasting connections and lessons he has learned through sport play a vital role in his life to this day. He is excited to provide others with the same opportunity and raise money for an organization that supports youth sports!
Juan Hernandez (Denver, Colorado)
“I'm 32 years old, originally from Chicago but now living in Denver. I've been running seriously for about 4 years now and have done a couple of half marathons and 1 full marathon (Chicago). It will be my first time running NYC and I'm stoked to be partnering with SWB for it. I have a strong connection to the sport of soccer. I grew up playing it for most of my childhood, and understand the joy and community that it brought me. As a first generation immigrant child, I'd like to pass on that feeling of community and acceptance to the youth of today.”
Danielle Hilton (Piedmont, California)
Danielle has long been an advocate for children. She spent her career fighting to give children a voice in court. It is a natural progression that she would be so excited at the chance to support SWB and empower children in the community. Danielle has run the NYC Marathon once before but felt that running for a cause like SWB added an additional layer of motivation and the chance to spread the word about this phenomenal organization.
Michael Kushner (Brooklyn, New York)
“SWB is following Nelson Mandela's philosophy of sport-for-development. ‘Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand.' I've been a part of organized sports since I was 5 years old, and it has influenced my life in a very positive way. I think athletics are integral for kids — especially underserved youth — to gain a sense of belonging, community and confidence. I'm running for SWB to champion their cause and help raise funds for this wonderful organization, and specifically gender equity initiatives within SWB.”
Paul Llewellyn (San Francisco, CA)
Originally from England, Paul has called the San Francisco Bay Area home for over 15 years. An avid runner, this will be Paul’s 16th marathon, but his first time running for SWB. He is looking forward to supporting SWB Bay Area and the tremendous work it does with Bay Area youth.
Annie Rodriguez (Berkeley, Californai)
“My name is Annie Rodriguez and I am from Berkeley, CA. My husband, Freddie, and I have three teenage children (Aidan, Bella, and Max) and we spend most of our time together either outdoors (running, cycling, hiking, or on the pitch) or enjoying meals out, often with our Aussie dog, Tossa, in tow. I have been a casual runner for over 30 years, and this upcoming New York Marathon will be my 10th marathon.”
James Suvak (Winchester, Massachusetts)
“I'm running the NYC Marathon for Soccer Without Borders because I believe in the transformative power of sport to create positive change. This charity uses soccer to provide underserved youth with essential life skills, mentorship, and opportunities for personal growth. By participating in this marathon, I aim to support their mission and raise awareness about the impact soccer can have on building communities and fostering inclusion. It's a chance to combine my passion for running with a meaningful cause that helps make a difference in young people's lives.”