The Portland Timbers' proud tradition of community service has been recognized by ESPN's Sports Humanitarian of the Year Awards, a new undertaking by the network to honor teams, initiatives and individuals “using the power of sports to transform lives and uplift communities.”
The Timbers are finalists for the Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year award, which recognizes the work of teams or their affiliated foundations to “demonstrates how teamwork between athletes and their team’s community relations or foundations can create a significant impact on a community or cause.”
Stand Together, the club’s community outreach platform, harnesses the power of sport to improve the lives of children and families in the Portland-metro area through targeted programs, deep partnerships and philanthropic giving. Stand Together focuses on youth activity, education and the environment, with an emphasis on cultural diversity and access for all to play.
Since the club’s inaugural MLS season in 2011, the Timbers have given more than $2.4 million in cash and in-kind donations, including their philanthropic work through the Portland Timbers Community Fund, the club’s field-grants program and various experiential and charitable activities. The club’s signature Stand Together Week annually benefits 30-plus different nonprofits throughout the greater Portland metro area. Since 2012, Stand Together Week has generated more than 7,000 volunteer hours by 2,000 volunteers on more than 100 projects.
PTFC are competing against the NBA's Chicago Bulls, the NFL's San Francisco 49ers and the Community Relations arm of World Wrestling Entertainment. The winner will receive a $75,000 grant from ESPN to the qualified charity related to their winning humanitarian efforts, while the other three finalists each take home a $25,000 grant.
A diverse array of organizations representing the likes of Major League Baseball, MLS, NBA, NFL, NHL, WNBA and the Women’s Sports Foundation nominated athletes, teams and community members, while an independent panel of judges from across the sports and non-profit sectors selected the finalists.
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The event will take place Tuesday, July 14 at the Conga Room at LA Live, bringing together the leagues and sporting community to pay tribute to the collective good of sports. Highlights of the evening will be featured during a 30-minute special on ESPN on July 23 at 8:30 pm ET.
“Through their selflessness and compassion, the Sports Humanitarian of the Year Award honorees are improving lives of many around the world,” said ESPN president John Skipper in a statement. “The awards pay tribute to some incredible individuals and organizations and the extraordinary impact of their efforts on society.”
