About Us

The Austin Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides fitness training and health education and nutrition awareness programs to youth in the greater Seattle area. In 1994, Willie Austin, former University of Washington football player and world power lifting champion, started the Youth & Fitness training program at the Gateway Athletic Club, with the goal of exposing youth to fitness activities and caring adult trainers.

In 1997, with co-founder Ros Ghan and a group of enthusiastic volunteers, Willie began building a grassroots organization that sought to bring health and fitness programs to kids throughout the greater Seattle area.

Some programs meet during the school day, giving youth in alternative schools or or at detention centers a chance to participate in physical education. Other programs meet after school, enhancing the out of school time offerings of community centers and public schools.

The Austin Foundation also fosters community education by encouraging family participation in all of its fitness programs, by participating in community health events, and by actively advocating for community policies and practices that promote healthy lifestyles.

Core Components
Strength Training
Flexibility
Cardiovascular Training
Nutrition
Youth Development & Mentorship

Download an Austin Foundation Brochure