A Young Visionary with a Big Mission
At just 12 years old, Joe Petraro is already achieving milestones most adults only dream of. A college student at Louisiana State University (LSU) studying Sports Management and Leadership, Joe is also the founder of Joe the Gamer’s Be Kind Campaign, a nonprofit dedicated to building kinder, more inclusive communities.
His mission is simple but powerful:
“A campaign to foster kinder, inclusive, and connected communities that promote positive mental health and change the world for the better.” — Joe “The Gamer” Petraro
The Be Kind Campaign: Creating Change Through Kindness
Joe’s nonprofit has quickly grown into a platform for kindness, connection, and community empowerment. With initiatives rooted in accessibility, the campaign ensures no one is left out.
Core Initiatives of the Campaign:
- Sports 4 All – Free sports programs where all kids, regardless of ability or income, can play.
- Adopt a Grandparent – Building intergenerational bonds through compassion and friendship.
- Joe’s Wells for Humanity – Raising awareness and providing clean water solutions worldwide.
At the heart of every program is the belief that kindness + accessibility = stronger communities.
Sports 4 All: Breaking Barriers in Athletics
The fastest-growing branch of Joe’s mission, Sports 4 All, is thriving in New York and beyond.
- Basketball: The first official league, welcoming kids of all skill levels.
- Baseball: Already filled but continues to include everyone who shows up.
- Dance 4 All: Instantly popular, yet never turns anyone away.
Joe’s guiding principle:
“No one is turned away, ever. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never played before or couldn’t afford elite teams. Everyone gets to belong.”
By removing financial and social barriers, Joe proves that sports can be about freedom, growth, and joy — not privilege.
Advocacy and Mental Health Awareness
Beyond sports, Joe is also a mental health and inclusion advocate. Living with Tourette’s syndrome, he uses his voice to raise awareness about neurodivergence, resilience, and kindness.
He has spoken at schools, organizations, and major events, spreading his belief that kindness is essential:
“Being kind isn’t optional. It’s how we survive, how we support one another, and how we grow stronger — together.”
Creativity and Leadership at 12
Joe’s talents don’t end with advocacy and leadership. He also designs team uniforms, ensuring each sport has its own identity and creativity. His work blends art, passion, and inclusion, proving that leadership can also be creative expression.
The Vision Ahead: Every Sport, For All
What began with a single basketball team is now growing into baseball, dance, martial arts, tennis, golf, and track.
Joe’s goal is bold and clear:
“When I’m done, every sport will have an outlet — for all. Nobody will be left out.”
By combining his LSU studies in Sports for Development with real-world action, Joe is shaping a future where sports are tools for equality, resilience, and mental health.
A Young Leader Making a Global Impact
At just 12, Joe Petraro is showing the world that leadership isn’t about age, it’s about vision and action. Through his Be Kind Campaign, he’s building a movement rooted in kindness, inclusion, and opportunity — inspiring kids and adults alike.
As Joe says:
“This is just the beginning. Movement, kindness, and opportunity are for everyone — always.”
