As a major cultural pillar, sports serve as a unifier that transcends political, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic barriers.
Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.
Nelson Mandela
Sample survey question:
Since the early 1990’s, RWJF has invested significant resources in the impact sports can have on health.
Sports and sports fandom are an integral part of American culture. Sports fans feel camaraderie with one another, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, immigration status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Sports are designed to improve social connections, combat fear and isolation, and offer opportunities for all participants to see themselves as part of a unified group. There’s a sense of belonging people feel by being part of a team’s fan base.
This new phase of work began with one guiding question: Are sports an entry point for conversations on racial justice and health equity? We found that the answer is yes.
Specifically, we learned that sports fans believe sports have had—and will continue to have—an impact on social issues. They feel it is appropriate, given the large platform, for athletes, leagues, and owners to talk about and take steps to reduce interpersonal and structural racism—and some believe that addressing these issues is the right thing to do.
"Olympic medals might be for a privileged few, but everyone has a right to cool off and gain potentially life-saving swimming skills," says Cullen Jones, the first Black swimmer to hold a world record.
RISE activates Champions of Change at sporting events around the country such as the Super Bowl, NCAA Men’s and Women's Final Four, NFL Draft, NASCAR Ally400 Race, and WNBA All Star. Together, RISE and RWJF are partnering on storytelling moments at the intersection of health and racial equity in this fan experience.
This webinar is for anyone interested in audience and message research, as well as narrative change strategy and working with influencers.
The RWJF Sports Award recognized those in sports who display an innovative and collaborative approach to making their communities healthier places.
Urban parks are a smart investment for health, but not everyone has one nearby. These local policy solutions can help bring parks to every neighborhood.
5-min read
We are working to dismantle structural racism so that everyone may have the opportunity to live the healthiest life possible in the place they call home.