June 05, 2023

High Schooler's Nonprofit "Unlimited Potential" Raises $100,000 for Sports Medicine Research, Empowers Youth

R Rakshith Srinivasan, a driven high school student from Eastside Preparatory School, has founded a nonprofit organisation called Unlimited Potential (UP) with the aim of empowering children with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions. Through successful fundraising efforts, UP has raised $100,000 for sports medicine research and advocacy, promoting inclusivity, and enabling all children to participate in school sports.

Recent research reveals that around 3.5 million children under the age of 14 in North America face physical challenges that prevent them from engaging in sports. In response to this issue, Unlimited Potential works in collaboration with sports medicine researchers, orthopaedic doctors, sports medicine research labs, and universities to raise awareness and secure funds for hospitals and labs across North America.

The organisation focuses on supporting groundbreaking research initiatives in areas such as prosthetics, bionics, stem cell therapies, and CAR-T cell therapies, with the goal of improving the affordability and accessibility of innovative treatments.

…our goal at Unlimited Potential is to raise awareness in our communities about groundbreaking research in sports medicine and to raise funds for researchers and doctors working on complex medical problems…

Rakshith Srinivasan, the founder of Unlimited Potential, explained their mission, stating, "Our goal at Unlimited Potential is to raise awareness in our communities about groundbreaking research in sports medicine and to raise funds for researchers and doctors working on complex medical problems. We believe that accelerating research and enhancing affordability will ultimately contribute to our vision of a future without wheelchairs by 2050!"

Unlimited Potential operates as a network of dedicated high school student volunteers who are actively involved in sports and possess a strong interest in science and research. Through partnerships with esteemed organisations such as Seattle Children's, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Special Olympics of Washington, and the University of Washington's Institute of Sports Medicine, these volunteers gain valuable insights into ongoing research, understand its impact, and actively contribute to fundraising efforts.

Since its establishment in 2020, Unlimited Potential has achieved significant milestones. With a team of ten full-time volunteers and over 600 part-time volunteers across North America, the organisation has made substantial progress in advocating for sports medicine research within local communities. These efforts have resulted in the cultivation of over 500 grassroots donors. The contributions from these donors have supported eight research programs addressing areas such as prosthetics, bionics, muscular dystrophy, skeletal dysplasia, limb deformities, bone cancer, athlete mental health, and human-centred design.

UP's impactful campaigns played a vital role in raising $100,000 for research through community donors in various school districts. The funds were subsequently presented to renowned researchers at institutions including Seattle Children's Orthopaedic Research Lab and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.

To ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the organisation, Team Unlimited Potential has established a dedicated advisory board comprising like-minded leaders who mentor the volunteers. This advisory team assists in research selection, donor discussions, campaign planning, fundraising activities, and facilitates introductions to researchers and doctors.

In addition, Rakshith Srinivasan, the founder of UP, has authored a book titled "Overcoming Obstacles," which explores the cutting-edge research happening in the field of sports science and research. All proceeds from the book sales go directly to Unlimited Potential's fundraising campaigns, further supporting their efforts in promoting sports medicine research and advocacy.

Unlimited Potential remains committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of young athletes within the community, with a steadfast mission of enabling every child to overcome physical challenges and unlock their unlimited potential on the playing field.

Posted in News and tagged News, Unlimited Potential, Sports Medicine Research, School Sports, North America, Overcoming Obstacles
Bookmark the Permalink