Youth Enrichment Services (YES) has been selected as an official Charity Partner for the 2027 Boston Marathon, taking place on Monday, April 19, 2027. The fundraising minimum is $12,000 per YES runner.

This year, we’ve been awarded 10 bibs for the race.

Each member of Team YES is required to fundraise a minimum of $12,000, with our overall team goal of at least $120,000. All fundraising will directly support YES’s outdoor and leadership programs for Boston youth, including our Track & Field Program!

As a Team YES Boston Marathon runner, you will receive the following perks:

• Personalized coaching support from Marathon Coach, Ed Groden
• Fundraising guidance from YES Development staff
• Monthly team meetings over Zoom and biweekly updates from YES
• An official Team YES singlet to wear on race day
• Recognition across YES communications and social media channels
• A complimentary invitation for you and a guest to the YES Black Diamond Gala on Thursday, April 29, 2027 at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel.

If you’re interested in joining Team YES as we run from Hopkinton to Boston, please complete the application linked here by September 30.

Youth Enrichment Services (YES) has received a three-year, $175,000 Sports Matter Grant from The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, the only New England nonprofit selected for the award this year.

The grant will support an expansion of outdoor programming for Boston youth as YES moves into its newly constructed, state-of-the-art headquarters – the Richard Williams Youth Development Center – in Jamaica Plain in late 2026. Sports Matter grants go to organizations serving communities where access to organized sports, outdoor recreation, and green space is limited. This funding will help fully equip YES’s new facility to deliver year-round sports programming and expand capacity to serve an additional 500 youth annually, reaching over 2,000 young people each year from Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan.

“YES is honored to be recognized by The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation with the Sports Matter grant,” said Bryan Van Dorpe, Executive Director of YES. “This support directly translates into thousands of additional sports experiences for Boston youth, allowing us to expand our staff, upgrade our equipment, and strengthen transportation offerings. Together, we are opening up life-changing outdoor experiences for young people across Boston.”

Grant funding will support:

• Staffing: expanding roles to deepen impact on youth, including youth program coordinators, a family engagement specialist, and an assistant director of programs
• Equipment: skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, bikes, paddles, life vests, climbing harnesses, running shoes, and more
• Transportation: expanding bus and van infrastructure for YES’s Outdoor Adventure Camp Program and Operation SnowSports Program, bringing children to local recreational areas and mountain resorts throughout New England

“At The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, we believe that sports have the power to change lives, and that every kid should have the opportunity to experience that impact,” said Rick Jordan, Vice President, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with YES to help make those opportunities more accessible to Boston youth and to inspire continued growth within their communities.”

This grant is one more step forward as YES prepares to open the doors of its new headquarters and welcome even more Boston youth into its outdoor and leadership programs.

When YES established its Outdoor Adventure Biking Program four years ago, the response from families was excitement and enthusiasm.  Prior to YES starting its program, there were very few opportunities to learn how to ride a bike.  There are many benefits for youth who ride bicycles, including learning a life skill, developing a healthy lifestyle, boosting self-confidence, and providing an outdoor alternative to screentime.

Every Saturday during the spring and fall months, youth bring their own bikes or borrow a bike from YES to learn how to ride and improve their skills.  The program is offered in partnership with Urban Edge, one of Boston’s largest low-income housing provider and a long-time partner of YES.   Initially, the program was offered as a two-hour program on Saturday mornings.  However, this year – to meet growing demand and help eliminate waitlists – YES expanded the program and offered a second two-hour session on  Saturday afternoons.  Nearly 200 Boston youth registered in the program this spring, which is an 89% increase in enrollment compared to two years ago.

Youth in the Outdoor Adventure Biking Program are taught by YES’s direct service program staff and over a dozen volunteer biking coaches.  Young people initially learn to ride on the pavement.  As they become more comfortable and confident, they progress to explore the nearby bike trails of Jamaica Plain and Roxbury. The popular program offers young people an opportunity to learn how to ride a bike and build skills for intermediate and advanced riders.  The program is offered free-of-charge to Boston youth ages 6-18; enrollment is prioritized for low-and-moderate income households and youth living in Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, and Mattapan.  Learn more about the Outdoor Adventure Biking Program at yeskids.org.

On Saturday, May 16, 11 riders took on the 2026 Rodman Ride for Kids in Foxboro, MA, tackling 25 and 50 mile routes as members of Team YES. Together, the team raised more than $33,000 to support Youth Enrichment Services’ outdoor adventure and leadership programs.

As an official Charity Partner of Rodman for Kids, YES joined more than 40 other youth-serving organizations at the event. Because Rodman for Kids underwrites all event costs, every dollar raised by Team YES goes directly toward YES programming.

The day brought together riders, volunteers, and supporters, all pedaling and cheering in support of Boston youth. Their commitment reflects the strength of the YES community and the difference that outdoor experiences and leadership opportunities can make in a young person’s life.

YES is grateful to every rider who trained and fundraised, every volunteer who helped the day run smoothly, and every donor who contributed to Team YES’s success. Thanks to their generosity, YES can continue to inspire youth through outdoor experiences and leadership opportunities.

Youth Enrichment Services (YES) is honored to welcome an incredible group of Olympic, World Cup, and rising elite athletes to the 2026 Black Diamond Gala. These athletes represent the highest levels of competition while embodying the perseverance, discipline, and leadership that YES strives to instill in the youth we serve. 

 

World Cup Dreams Foundation Athletes 

We are honored to welcome athletes from the World Cup Dreams Foundation (WCDF), an organization committed to supporting the next generation of elite snowsports athletes through funding, mentorship, and access to critical resources. 

This year’s athletes represent some of the top emerging and established competitors in alpine skiing:  

 

 

Patrick Kenney is a New England native and NCAA All-American at the University of New Hampshire. Patrick specializes in giant slalom and continues to make his mark on the World Cup circuit. He recently earned his first World Cup points and achieved a career-best finish in Adelboden, one of the sport’s most competitive venues. 

Bea May is a freshman at Dartmouth College and a rising alpine skier from Vermont. Bea competes in both slalom and giant slalom, and with experience across NorAm and international competitions, she is building toward success at the World Junior Championships and beyond. 

Kyle Negomir is one of the top-ranked U.S. athletes in Super-G and Downhill. Kyle has established himself as a leading speed skier on the international stage. A 2026 Olympian, he continues to push toward consistent top-30 finishes globally while balancing his academic career at Dartmouth College, building toward continued success on the world stage. 

Cooper Puckett is a standout slalom skier and one of the most promising young talents in U.S. alpine skiing. Cooper broke into the World Cup top 30 early in his career and is the reigning U.S. National Slalom Champion. His trajectory positions him as a key competitor for years to come, with continued momentum toward consistent top-30 finishes globally while balancing his academic career at Dartmouth College. 

We extend a special thank you to Claire Biesemeyer, Executive Director of the World Cup Dreams Foundation, for her exceptional leadership and dedication to supporting the next generation of elite athletes. A former NCAA All-American, Claire brings a unique blend of athletic experience and media expertise to her role, helping to elevate athlete stories while building meaningful pathways for success both on and off the slopes. Through her work, she has been instrumental in expanding access, increasing visibility, and ensuring that talented athletes have the resources they need to reach the highest levels of competition. 

We are also proud to recognize Tommy Biesemeyer, a 2018 Olympian and accomplished skier, whose experience competing at the highest level continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of athletes. 

Together, Claire and Tommy play an integral role in advancing the mission of the World Cup Dreams Foundation and strengthening the future of U.S. Snowsports champions. 

                                                                                                                            

USA Track & Field Athletes 

Representing USA Track & Field Foundation (USATF), we are excited to welcome a group of highly accomplished runners and rising stars who compete at the highest levels of the sport. 

Heather MacLean is a professional middle-distance runner for Adidas and a proud Massachusetts native. Specializing in the 1500 meters, she has established herself as one of the top middle-distance runners in the world. Heather represented Team USA at the Olympic Games in the 1500m and has earned multiple podium finishes at the U.S. National Championships. She is also ranked #4 on the all-time indoor mile list, highlighting her place among the fastest women in history at that distance. In addition to her individual success, Heather continues to compete on the global stage while inspiring the next generation of athletes through her dedication, resilience, and passion for the sport. 

 

Joining her are several talented teammates: 

• Kate Mitchell  

• Katrina Coogan  

• Maia Ramsden  

• Helen Schlachtenhaufen  

Together, these athletes represent the strength, depth, and future of U.S. track and field. 

 

Celebrating Excellence & Inspiration 

From alpine skiing to track and field, these athletes exemplify what it means to push boundaries, overcome challenges, and strive for greatness. Their journeys mirror the values YES instills in its youth, confidence, resilience, and the courage to pursue new heights. 

We are honored to welcome these incredible athletes to the Black Diamond Gala and celebrate the shared spirit of achievement that unites us all.