I’m writing this the day after our largest fundraiser of the year — the 2-4-1 Asics Blue Jean Mile — and in all honesty, I didn’t sleep much last night.
But not for the reasons you might think.
It wasn’t because the event wasn’t a success. In fact, it exceeded every expectation we had — in terms of the joy it brought, the purpose it served, and the way it so beautifully honored the legacy of Jason Hannigan. It highlighted the urgent need for mental health programming and celebrated the work we do every day in and around Hartford, made possible by so many generous partners, companies, and individuals.
No, the reason I couldn’t sleep was because when that many people come out to support something like this — when you feel that kind of collective energy and belief in a mission — it stirs up something in me. Something I’d call “urgency.” A need to do more. A drive to reach more kids. To love more. To heal more. To be more for those who count on us.
This past month has been a bit of a whirlwind. After returning from Project Play in the Bay Area, we dove straight into the Magnet Schools of America Conference in Nashville, where Kerry, Julie and I were able to reconnect with current partners and make new friends. From there, we made our way back to Connecticut — via New York City and Washington, D.C. — working every step of the way to build capacity, deepen partnerships, and expand our reach during what are, undeniably, challenging times for nonprofits like ours.
But last night, standing in Bushnell Park, what struck me most wasn’t the scope of our travel or the size of the crowd. It was the kids. The kids from our programs who showed up with their families. The teachers — who, on their own time and their own dime — came out to support a mission they already give so much of themselves to during the school day. The people who weren’t just “there,” but present in the truest sense. Who believe in this work. Who believe in the power of play. Who believe that sports — done right — can change lives.
This month also brought personal reflection. Some of you who have been receiving my newsletters over the years may recall this story — about my now-deceased mother and my nephew being seen around the world meeting Pope Francis. His recent passing stirred up all sorts of emotions for me. That memory, that moment, and that photo resurfaced in my mind in a powerful way.
One line from a note Pope Francis apparently wrote from his hospital bed has especially stayed with me:
“Love more. Forgive more. Embrace more. Live more intensely.”
That’s the kind of urgency I’m talking about.
That’s what keeps me up at night.
So as we move into the next chapter of 2-4-1, I want to thank each and every one of you. Whether you ran or walked or cheered from afar, whether you gave your time or your treasure, or simply believe in what we do — you are the reason we keep going.
You inspire me to love more. To do more. To reach more.
Let’s keep moving forward — together.
With gratitude,
Steve
About Steve Boyle
Steve Boyle is a connector, collaborator, and tireless advocate for making youth sports more playful, inclusive, and developmentally sound. As Executive Director of 2-4-1 CARE, Inc. and Co-Founder of 2-4-1 Sports, Steve has helped lead a growing movement to reshape the youth sports experience—one that puts the joy of play and the whole child at the center. Grounded in his background as a school counselor and coach, Steve co-created the award-winning TOP Self™ platform, which uses sport as a vehicle for social-emotional learning. Under his collaborative leadership, 2-4-1 has grown from a single program in West Hartford, Connecticut to a global nonprofit impacting communities across North America and Africa. Steve’s influence extends beyond his own organization. He served as Advisory Board Chair for the National Association of Physical Literacy and as Global Lead for Athletics and Physical Literacy at Whittle School & Studios, shaping programming in Washington, D.C. and Shenzhen. Whether working with local partners or global networks, Steve brings humility, heart, and a belief in the power of teamwork to everything he does.