By Erin Edwards

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation was named a 2021 winner of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Sports Award on Thursday.

The RWJF Sports Award honors the innovative and collaborative efforts of individuals, organizations, and teams that are making their communities healthier through sport. LADF and co-honorees The Dance Institute of Washington, Make the World Better, Move United and YEAH! YOGA each received a $25,000 cash prize. The prize will help LADF build a Culture of Health and continue its partnerships with organizations like Up2Us Sports, Positive Coaching Alliance, We Coach and RISE to include more racial and gender equity training for Dodgers RBI participants.

During the virtual ceremony, accepting the team award was CEO of LADF Nichol Whiteman.

“The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation is absolutely thrilled to have received the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Sports Award for our critical work to remove barriers to health equity through sports,” Whiteman said. “Through an approach that focuses on the comprehensive needs of young people, we aggressively tackle the most pressing challenges that Angelenos face by providing access and opportunity for those who need support the most.”

While the announcement was made during a private ceremony, it didn’t stop the Dodgers from sharing their support and pride for the accomplishments LADF continues to make in the community.

To kick things off in-stadium, the players and coaches donned LADF T-shirts during batting practice while in-stadium videos and photos scrolled on Dodger Vision. Just before first pitch, manager Dave Roberts and pitchers Clayton Kershaw and David Price presented the LADF team with the trophy on-field.