The Creators Behind Heated Rivalry Have Launched the Irina Foundation
The creators behind Heated Rivalry have launched the Irina Foundation. Yes, that Irina Foundation—the organization inspired by the one created by Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov in Rachel Reid’s Game Changer book series, which will soon make its way into the TV universe as well.
Created by Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady of Accent Aigu Entertainment (AAE), the real-world Irina Foundation was created “from a desire to turn the unexpected power of storytelling into lasting change.” Its mission takes the themes behind that fictional organization and brings them into the real world, with a focus on supporting LGBTQIA2S+ and underserved communities through organized sports and arts programs.
According to the foundation, its work is rooted in the belief that welcoming spaces where people can participate, express themselves, and build meaningful connections can have a lasting impact on mental well-being, resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Rather than creating its own programs, the Irina Foundation plans to support established nonprofit organizations whose existing sports and arts initiatives align with that mission, providing grants and building partnerships to help make those opportunities more accessible.
That focus feels particularly meaningful when we consider what organized sports and the arts can offer. For LGBTQIA2S+ people, finding spaces where we can participate without having to hide who we are can make a huge difference. Sports and creative programs can provide opportunities for connection, self-expression, friendship, confidence, and community, while also helping people find others who understand their experiences. Those same welcoming spaces can be valuable for underserved communities more broadly, particularly when access to organized activities and community resources isn’t equally available to everyone.
The foundation’s name also carries a very personal connection to the Game Changer story. In Reid’s books, the fictional organization is named after Ilya’s mother, Irina, who struggled with her own mental health. For the real-world foundation, that name now represents a broader commitment to creating opportunities where people can find connection, community, and support.
The Irina Foundation is currently accepting donations from both Canada and the United States, with contributions supporting its work to connect people with programs that foster mental well-being and inclusivity through welcoming spaces and meaningful opportunities.
For those of us who have watched Heated Rivalry become much bigger than a hockey romance, there is something pretty special about seeing an idea from the story move beyond the screen and into a real-world initiative. The Irina Foundation is still at the beginning of its journey, but its focus on LGBTQIA2S+ people, underserved communities, sports, the arts, and meaningful connection gives us plenty of reasons to keep an eye on what comes next.
Y’all can learn more about the Irina Foundation, find out how to donate, and follow its work through its official channels as the organization gets underway.
Heated Rivalry Season 2 is set to premiere in Spring 2027. Season 1 of Heated Rivalry is available to stream on Crave (Canada), HBO Max (U.S. & Other Regions), Sky (New Zealand, UK), and Movistar Plus+ (Spain). Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff!
Featured Image: Image Courtesy of Crave and HBO Max.
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