ESPN named the Los Angeles Dodgers a finalist for the Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year Award in recognition of the franchise’s consistent work in the community through the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF).
“With an engaged ownership group chaired by Mark Walter, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation has a robust strategy focused on the most significant problems facing the city of Los Angeles at a time when a quality education, youth sports and health care are increasingly reserved for the elite,” LADF chief executive officer Nichol Whiteman said.
“Using our celebrity and the power of sport, we run and fund proven programs aimed at young under-resourced Angelenos. And we have bigger ambitions on deck.”
The Anaheim Ducks (NHL), Chicago Fire Soccer Club (MLS) and New York City Football Club (MLS) were also named finalists for the Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year Award. The winner will be announced at the fifth annual Sports Humanitarian Awards on Tuesday July 9, which will then be broadcast on ESPN nine days later.
The Sports Humanitarian Awards are a celebration of the impact made by athletes, teams and sports industry professionals who use the power of sport to make a difference throughout the world.
The evening will be hosted by Grammy Award winning singer and songwriter, Ciara and feature presentations for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, the Corporate Community Impact Award, the Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award, the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award, the Sports Sustainability Leadership Award and the League Humanitarian Leadership Award.
Since inception of the LADF, more than $25 million has been invested in programs and grants to nonprofits to improve access to education, health care and sports. LADF now administers and supports programs that prepare students for college; award scholarships; pay for eye screenings and glasses; inspire children to read; and use baseball and softball to build kids’ confidence and improve their lives.
The LADF serves 10,500 youth through its sports-based youth development program and provides 300,000 kids access to a safe place to enjoy recreational activity in their own neighborhood.
Last year, the Foundation completed a promise by constructing a 50th Dodgers Dreamfield. The historic event was also used to announce a commitment to reaching 75 Dreamfields by 2033, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Dodgers’ move from Brooklyn.
The Dodgers’ foundation recently announced a partnership with Kershaw’s Challenge to refurbish Jackie Robinson Stadium and construct a new “Field 42” at Gonzales Park in the City of Compton.
