SARTELL -- When many of us were 14, the last thing on our minds was finding ways to raise money and awareness for local foundations.

For 14-year-old Ethan Neid, it's second nature -- he's been helping foundations since he was just 8-years-old.

Just a few days away from his first steps in Sartell High School as a freshman, Neid will be hosting his 6th Annual Backyard Olympics. This year, the festivities will happen at Val Smith Park in Sartell and will feature a family kickball tournament and free lunch. Previous years have been aimed at kids.

All donations this year will be going to the Nicholas P. Koenig H.E.R.O Foundation. Neid says he chose the H.E.R.O foundation because he feels a strong attachment to it.

"We have been around the same amount of time as them and when we donate to them we know exactly where the donations are going."

 

In the previous five years, the Backyard Olympics have raised over $2,000 for local foundations. Neid says his goals are simple for the event.

"To have as many people involved as possible and raise a lot of money for foundations."

 

Neid's mother, Carrie, says she is extremely proud of her 14-year-old son.

"I feel very proud, just knowing that he thinks about other people and wants to help others makes me so proud."

 

Neid is still looking for more people and families to play in this year's kickball tournament. If you are interested, you can go to Val Smith Park at 11:00 a.m. to register and they hope to kick-off the tournament at 11:45 a.m. He says you can also just go, watch and donate.

Neid is also an inspiring film director and hopes to be able to combine his passion for film-making and helping those in need.

To learn more about the Nicholas P. Koenig H.E.R.O. Foundation, follow the link below.

 

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