Two programs. One mission.
We connect sick children in hospitals with their athletic heroes to build uplifting, meaningful relationships — regardless of location barriers.
The Mobile App
The True Competitors Mobile App connects sick children in hospitals with their athletic heroes to help build uplifting and meaningful relationships. Children communicate with their favorite teams and players using modern technology provided in our app.
The idea grew from real life: when a teammate's son was fighting cancer in the hospital, the constantly-traveling team used their phones to send photos and videos to brighten his days. By creating an app, we're giving those positive relationships a new avenue to grow.
Support the App
The Match Program
The Match Program pairs sick children with their favorite athletes for a unique 1-on-1 experience. Children are referred by their family or care team, then matched with a hero who can champion them through their fight.
From referral to relationship
Refer a child
A family or care team starts a referral by getting in touch with our team.
We make the match
We pair the child with a favorite team or athlete based on their interests.
Connect in the app
Child and athlete message and share in a safe, personalized environment.
Keep competing
Ongoing encouragement from their hero through treatment and beyond.
Common questions
What does True Competitors do?
True Competitors is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that connects sick children in hospitals with professional athletes and sports organizations. We run two programs — the True Competitors Mobile App and the Match Program — to build uplifting, meaningful relationships between children and the heroes who inspire them, regardless of location barriers.
Who does True Competitors serve?
We work with children facing life-threatening illness, and with their families. Sports possess a distinctive capacity to unite people during difficult circumstances, and we bring that support to children during treatment and to the families walking through it with them.
How does the Match Program work?
A child’s family or care team submits a referral. We pair the child with a favorite team or athlete based on their interests, and they connect in a safe, personalized environment inside our app. From there the relationship continues, with ongoing encouragement from their hero through treatment and beyond.
How do I refer a child?
Referrals come from a child’s family or care team. To start one, contact us at info@truecompetitors.org and we will walk you through the next steps.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. True Competitors is incorporated within the state of California and recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 81-2734841). Donations made to True Competitors are tax-deductible within the United States.
How are donations used and overseen?
Donations keep the app running so children can reach their heroes from the hospital, fund the 1-on-1 matches between children and athletes, and bring encouragement to families during treatment. Oversight of our financial activity is provided by a Board of Directors as well as a third-party public accounting firm, Morse Barney CPAs. Our IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter is available on our Financial & Legal page.
How can athletes, teams, or sponsors get involved?
Partners help sustain True Competitors by providing financial and in-kind resources that support our programs. If you are an athlete, team, or organization interested in working together, contact us at info@truecompetitors.org.