How it Began...
The idea for the Sports Initiative Club was inspired by John Elefterakis Jr., a Staten Island Academy student, who volunteered with The Integrated Athletic Initiative (TIAI) during the summer. John was deeply moved by the impact the program’s participants had on him, and he wanted to create a way for other high school students to share that same experience.
After consulting with his father, John Elefterakis, Esq., along with Sal Fabozzi and Anthony Passalacqua of TIAI, the vision for a student-led club was born. The Sports Initiative Club gives private and prep school students across New York City the opportunity to volunteer with a sports nonprofit that serves youth and young adults with disabilities—while also developing as servant leaders dedicated to community impact.
The Sports Initiative Club
Student‑led sports service clubs at NYC’s top private and prep schools—bringing clinics and opportunities to kids who need them most.
Program Snapshot
What it is: A student‑run service club that organizes inclusive basketball, soccer, and track & field clinics for underserved youth across NYC.
Why it matters: Students develop leadership and service experience while expanding access to sports, mentorship, and healthy activity for young people who need it most.
Minimum commitments:
Meet once per month
Run one annual fundraiser (Shoot‑A‑Thon)
Find event sponsors with support from TIAI
Participate in Giving Tuesday outreach (texts/emails)
Deliver three sports clinics per year (basketball, soccer, track)