HARTFORD--A very special athlete was on hand at the YMCA Celebrates Champions event in Hartford on Thursday.
Mia Hamm, the youngest player to ever make the U.S. national women's soccer team, attended the YMCA of Greater Hartford's signature event, which raises money for Read to Succeed, an adult literacy program. It also helps to fund the Annual Support campaign, which gives financial assistance to help kids, families and adults participate in Y programs.
Hamm was not only the youngest player on the U.S. team, but she's also won a gold and silver medal at the Olympics and was inducted into the soccer hall fo fame.
Hamm also discused her eponymous foundation, which she started in 1999 to honor her brother who died from complications with bone marrow disease. The foundation has two goals: to raise awareness and funds for bone marrow transplant patients and their families, and to provide opportunities for young girls in sports.
"My brother and I shared such a love for sport that not only is it for the fight that the families have with bone marrow related diseases, but also trying to empower young girls in sports because without sports in my life i wouldn't be able to be able to be here or reach the levels i was able to reach."
