As part of OCR Buddy’s Season of Giving, I’m honored to spotlight a program that’s reshaping youth OCR from the ground up. Lionhearts Fitness, founded by my friend and inspiration Michele Luccketta, is a nonprofit rooted in movement, mentorship, and radical inclusion. Based in North Georgia and East Tennessee, Lionhearts is more than a training space—it’s a sanctuary for kids who need connection, pacing, and a place to belong.
Michele is a force. She doesn’t just organize—she builds. She shows up for the sport, for the families, and for the kids who’ve been told there’s no place for them. Her work is grounded in compassion, clarity, and community. After the loss of one of Luccketta’s close friends, Michele and Luccketta turned to movement—not just to cope, but to honor that legacy and create something lasting.
What began as a few kids training in a backyard quickly grew into Lionhearts Fitness, a 100% volunteer-run program offering free OCR training, seasonal camps, homeschool PE, and mentorship to youth of all ages and abilities. There are no fees. No tryouts. No barriers. Everyone trains together. Everyone belongs.
But Lionhearts isn’t just about racing—it’s about service. Youth athletes volunteer at events, support one another on and off the course, and learn that strength isn’t just physical—it’s relational. The motto “Community Serves the Community” isn’t just painted on the walls—it’s lived in every muddy high five and every shared finish line.
Luccketta, now a competitive OCR athlete and the incoming director of Lionhearts, carries the mission forward with heart and clarity. His leadership is advocacy in motion. As he shared in a recent interview, “I want to help kids who feel like they don’t belong—because I know what that feels like.” That’s the heartbeat of Lionhearts.
Michele’s impact on the sport is immeasurable. She’s not just building athletes—she’s building Lionhearts. And as someone who’s watched her work, collaborated with her, and learned from her, I can say this with pride: Michele doesn’t just make space. She makes legacy.
As we celebrate the Season of Giving, Lionhearts Fitness reminds us that the most powerful gift isn’t gear or medals—it’s belonging. Michele and Luccketta built Lionhearts from heartbreak and hope—and they continue to grow it with every child who steps onto the field.
📍 Learn more or support their mission: https://www.lionheartfitness.com
