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I'm running the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon with The True Athlete Project

Kassandra Kupcho is raising money for The True Athlete Project
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Sydney Marathon 2025 · 31 August 2025 ·

Story

Powered by purpose, passion, and a whole lot of meaning, I’m supporting The True Athlete Project and the incredible power of sport to change lives. I’d love your support.

The True Athlete Project (TAP) is a nonprofit organization that uses sport as a powerful tool for personal growth, connection, and social change. Their work is built on the belief that sport can be about far more than competition; it can be a space for healing, empathy, and transformation.

TAP supports athletes of all ages and abilities through programs that include mindfulness training, mentoring, mental health support, and community outreach. They help athletes develop not just physically, but emotionally and mentally, empowering them to become leaders and changemakers both on and off the field. Whether it’s helping young athletes build confidence, guiding elite performers toward greater self-awareness, or fostering inclusive team cultures, TAP is creating a more compassionate world through sport.

That mission speaks to me in a deeply personal way.

Sport, especially running, was my lifeline during a turbulent childhood. Running gave me something I desperately needed: a sense of purpose, a rhythm I could hold onto, and a space where I could just be myself. When everything else felt uncertain, running was steady. It became my sanctuary. It helped me find my voice, my resilience, and ultimately, my identity.

I know what it’s like to feel lost. I know what it’s like to have sport, and the people within it, pull you out of the darkness. Had it not been for other athletes and a some very special coaches, I don’t know how I would have made it through those years.

That’s why I chose to run with The True Athlete Project. Their mission isn’t just something I believe in, it’s something I’ve lived. Although I’ve run for years, my connection to The True Athlete Project's mission goes beyond the miles. I also volunteer with two youth recreational sports teams where I aim to embody and share TAP’s mission in everything I do. I believe in leading with compassion, creating a positive and inclusive environment, and helping young athletes grow not just in skill, but in confidence, empathy, and resilience.

I know firsthand how transformative sport can be when it’s grounded in care, intention, and a belief in the whole person. TAP gives athletes that kind of environment. And now, I want to help make sure others get that same chance to heal, grow, and thrive. Sport has the power to shape who we are, and I hope to be part of shaping it for the better.

This marathon is more than a race for me. It’s a full-circle moment. It’s about honoring the sport that saved me, and giving back to a cause that reflects the very heart of who I am.

If you believe in the power of sport to change lives, I hope you’ll consider donating. Every contribution, no matter the amount, brings us one step closer to building a more compassionate sporting world. And with every mile I run in Sydney, I’ll be carrying your support with me.

Thank you for reading, for believing, and for being part of this journey.

Donation summary

Total
£1,987.16
Online
£1,902.16
Offline
£85.00

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