About Beyond Borders
Athletics

Beyond Borders Athletics was founded by Aweso Noor, who arrived in Buffalo as a resettled American from Kenya. Growing up on the lower West Side, he saw how many refugees and inner-city youths were shut out of organized sports — not from lack of talent, but from financial barriers and systems that excluded them.

Aweso witnessed heartbreaking stories: gifted student-athletes losing chances to play or attend higher-level institutions. Their dreams faded — not from lack of ability, but from lack of access.

Sports became Aweso's bridge to belonging. Because coaches, teachers, and mentors from NativityMiguel, Canisius, and beyond invested in him and believed in his potential, he was able to focus fully on being the best student-athlete possible — ultimately excelling in the classroom and on the field and court as a standout soccer and basketball player in high school and college. Along the way he discovered a calling: mentoring younger athletes walking the same path.

BBA is his way of paying that forward — building that same village for the next generation of student athletes facing the same hills he once climbed.

For the young people we serve, sports are more than games — they are a source of confidence, community, and hope.

BBA is committed to ensuring that no young person is denied the chance to play, grow, and thrive because of their circumstances. Like Aweso, these young people also have passions and real talents and with the right guidance and access, they can pursue dreams that once felt out of reach.

Stories like these prove that when barriers fall, potential rises — and our youth will rise with it.