Ayden Winters Uses His Platform to Support Empower Sports Network

empowersportsnetwo
Jan 17
3 min read

When Empower Sports Network was preparing for its first-ever Track & Field meet, Founder and Executive Director Sam Kiningham received a text that came completely out of nowhere.

It was from Ayden Winters.

Ayden wasn’t asking for attention or recognition. He wasn’t looking for anything in return. He simply wanted to know one thing:

How can I help?

“I knew right away Ayden was a special kid,” Kiningham said. “He reached out on his own because he genuinely wanted to support our athletes.”

More Than Support—True Leadership

At Empower Sports Network, we’re proud to create opportunities for adaptive athletes, but our mission goes even further than that. We believe in supporting all athletes at all levels—especially the ones who use their talent and influence to lift others up.

That’s exactly who Ayden is.

From day one, Ayden didn’t show up just to observe or offer help from the sidelines—he showed up as part of the team. He trained right alongside our athletes, coached throughout the meet, and brought the kind of energy that makes everyone around him better.

He didn’t just support our athletes—he believed in them.

A Top Athlete With an Even Bigger Heart

Ayden Winters is a senior at Ocean Township High School and one of the top shot putters in New Jersey. With a personal record of 58’ 5.5”, Ayden has earned his reputation as an elite competitor through discipline, consistency, and relentless work ethic.

But what stands out most about Ayden isn’t only what he does in the ring—it’s the character he shows outside of it.

As Ayden continues to grow as a student-athlete, he also dedicates his time to giving back to the community by coaching and mentoring younger athletes. He leads by example and shows what it truly means to represent the sport the right way.

As he prepares for major upcoming competitions—including Monmouth County Championships on January 23rd—Ayden continues to demonstrate what dedication and leadership look like at the highest level.

Empower Sports Network is Proud to Partner with Ayden Winters

Because of the heart and commitment Ayden has consistently shown, Empower Sports Network is proud to partner with Ayden Winters as a Sponsored Athlete Ambassador.

This partnership isn’t just about athletic performance—it’s about supporting athletes who represent the values we stand for: inclusion, leadership, and community.

Using His Platform to Build Something Bigger

Rather than focusing only on his own success, Ayden is choosing to use his platform to raise awareness and support for Empower Sports Network—helping us expand inclusive athletic opportunities for individuals of all abilities.

Ayden’s coach, Jon Kalnes, shared what makes him special:

“Ayden is following in the steps of many great throwers that came from this area. The dedication he has of being a student of the sport will guarantee his place as one of those great throwers.”

What’s Next

This fall, Ayden will attend UConn to study Exercise Science, continuing his journey not only as an athlete, but as a future leader in performance, health, and fitness.