As often happens, Jeff’s encounter with Miguel Buzza Roo – and the chance to make a meaningful difference in Miguel’s life and athletic career – wasn’t particularly planned. Miguel and Jeff first met at the Pit Elite Teen Throwdown in Three Rivers, Michigan, where Jeff was volunteering as a judge and Miguel competing as an athlete. A chance piece of coaching feedback, after several conversations, evolved into housing support and community ahead of the 2021 CrossFit Games, where Miguel competed as a teen, and again ahead of Wodapalooza in January 2022, allowing Miguel to stay in Michigan rather than in his native country of Brazil. As he says about the experience: “It’s been a great (experience). The biggest difference has been the winter, a lot of snow.”
YES Foundation partners with many teens like Miguel to support them in difficult situations to pursue fitness as part of their wellness and personal development. Interested in hearing more? We’d love to chat! Drop us a line at youthesteemservice@gmail.com to hear more about the teens that we’re currently working with.