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PRINCETON, N.J.,– The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) has announced 16 finalists for the 2017 Sports Award, an honor recognizing professional teams, individuals, and organizations that strengthen and serve communities through sport. The winners will be honored on September 13, 2017 during an awards presentation at the Foundation’s headquarters in Princeton, N.J.
The Sports Award recognizes innovative and influential approaches to using sports to make communities healthier places to live. Approaches may include: helping children maintain a healthy weight, creating safe play environments, encouraging positive behaviors, eliminating bullying, abuse and violence, and expanding opportunities for children living in poverty. The 2016 winners included the MLSE Foundation, the Doug Flutie Foundation for Autism, and InnerCity Weight Lifting.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Sports Award honors the innovative and collaborative efforts of individuals, organizations and teams that are making their communities healthier through sport. Soccer Without Borders is among 8 finalists in the category of "Influential Leader and Model for Others," highlighting the way that soccer can bridge cultural divides and emphasizing that welcoming communities are healthier communities.