As a major cultural pillar, sports serve as a unifier that transcends political, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic barriers.
"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.
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.
When athletes, leagues, and owners speak out on racism, it has spurred fans to have conversations with family and friends. Many studies show that change really begins when people start talking about issues like structural racism with their own networks.
Our current sports focus explores the following key questions to better understand the power of sports to shift the national conversation and individual mindsets.
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
In 2024, we are partnering with RISE, a national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations. RISE activates the Champions of Change experience at sporting events around the country empowering and educating fans to be leaders in their community for racial equity and inclusion. Together, RISE and RWJF are partnering on storytelling moments at the intersection of health and racial equity in this fan experience.
Another partner, Sport For Impact, is dedicated to empowering athletes and leveraging the power of sport as a catalyst for social change and community impact. SFI’s overarching charitable purpose is to educate and empower athletes around strategic sport for development, intentional sports philanthropy, and the power of issue-driven collective action to accelerate and maximize impact.
In 2023, we engaged a trusted working group of 12 industry thought leaders that served as advisors on this work.
Olympic gold medalist swimmer Cullen Jones shares his story about nearly drowning at age 5 to draw attention to the fatal drowning rates for children as well as fighting against the stereotype that Black people can’t swim.
Waterboys, founded by former NFL player Chris Long, addresses the national water crisis by bringing clean and sustainable water access to rural and indigenous communities.
Lexie Brown (former WNBA Lynx/current Sparks) speaks on the importance of the Say Her Name campaign and how the women of the WNBA are keeping social justice at the forefront.
Former NFL running back Warrick Dunn’s Homes for the Holidays program breaks the cycle of generational poverty by providing assistance to single parent families purchasing their first homes.
Notah Begay III broke barriers as the first full-blooded Native American to compete on the PGA Tour. His NB3 Foundation works to ensure Native children achieve their full potential by advancing cultures of Native American community health.
Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr is trying to get people to talk about race, “I think our job really is to educate ourselves and our teams, and to use our voices to amplify the message… it’s crucial that we discuss race in America.”
Allyson Felix is the most decorated woman in Olympic track and field history. Felix uses her platform to talk about the Black maternal health crisis and advocates for safe, respectful care and treatment to achieve healthy pregnancies for everyone.
MLB The Show 24 includes the Negro Leagues Season 2 which continues to celebrate the rich history of the Negro Leagues. Storylines combine immersive gameplay moments, historical footage, and more as these incredible true stories are brought to life.
Prior to leading his UConn team to the 2014 National Championship win, Shabazz Napier talked about his struggles with food insecurity and brought attention to an issue that has long-term impacts on health and disproportionately harms minority groups.
Naomi Osaka has worn different masks during tournaments calling attention to people who were victims of violence such as George Floyd and Trayvon Martin, saying “I feel like I'm a vessel at this point in order to spread awareness.”
Connor Barwin founded the Make The World Better Foundation (MTWB) in 2013 during his first season playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. MTWB works to improve access to safe public spaces in Philadelphia for recreation, sports, and arts-based activities.
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.
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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.
