The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation was named a 2020 Project Play Champion by The Aspen Institute’s Project Play, adding to its list of accolades this year. The Dodgers and LADF were recently recognized as the 2020 ESPN Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year at the ESPYS.
The Aspen Institute’s Project Play Champions program annually recognizes local and national organizations that are taking new, meaningful, and specific actions consistent with the Project Play framework.
LADF is recognized for its Field Champions initiative and Dodgers RBI program, a sports-based youth development program for kids, which utilizes baseball and softball participation to provide life-changing social and emotional learning and access to health care and educational opportunities.
“The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, a leader in sports-based youth development, recognizes the importance of ensuring that low income communities not only have access to softball and baseball, but to a supportive environment of coaches and resources,” executive director for the Aspen Institute’s Sports and Society Program Tom Farrey said.
“We’re proud to highlight them as a 2020 Project Play Champion and an exemplar organization working to engage kids through community-based play.”
As part of their recognition, LADF will be featured at the Project Play Summit 2020, the nation’s premier annual gathering of leaders at the intersection of youth, sport and health.
Since partnering with Up2Us Sports, the L.A. Dodgers Foundation has doubled its Field Champions program and trains community members to serve as LADF ambassadors, mentors and coaches who help Dodgers RBI coaches and participants learn sports techniques, nutrition, injury prevention, and life skills.
“We are honored to be recognized in the 2020 class of Project Play Champions. Alongside Up2Us Sports, we have expanded our Field Champions program, and provide a well-balanced foundation for coaches to gain game knowledge and important strategies that offer powerful support to Dodgers RBI players,” LADF CEO Nichol Whiteman said.
“Field Champions attend skill-based coaching workshops, that include trauma-informed approaches and positive youth development strategies, to support players and help them grow social-emotional learning attributes. Our coaches play a critical role in helping youth in our communities heal and thrive.”
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Dodgers RBI and Field Champions have pivoted to support thousands of participants through virtual and online components, including coaches training, parent workshops, baseball and softball drills, college-prep sessions, and Wellness Wednesdays fitness and nutrition lessons.
The LADF also provided Dodger Dogs at The Dream Center earlier this year, which is of course where Justin and Kourtney Turner regularly work to give back to the local community.
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