CHICAGO (Oct. 19, 2016) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club was named the 2016 Beyond Sport Team of the Year for their community service work at an awards banquet held today at East London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
“The Chicago Fire would like to thank Beyond Sport, as well as the other nominees for this year’s award who share our passion for community service,” said Fire COO Atul Khosla. “This is an incredible honor for the Club and our Foundation. The Chicago Fire places an immense value in community involvement and we are thrilled to be recognized by such a prestigious organization."
“We couldn’t be more excited to accept this year’s Beyond Sport Team of the Year Award,” said Fire vice president of community relations and Chicago Fire Foundation executive director Jessica Yavitz. “This is a testament to the hard work and commitment that our Foundation staff and partners show on a regular basis. Among our many outreach efforts, we are especially proud of the work we have been able to do through the P.L.A.Y.S. Program. This award will give us an opportunity to do even more to help the youth in this community."
Beyond Sport is a global organization that promotes, develops and supports the use of sport to create positive social change across the world. The Fire were one of five teams on the shortlist for this year’s award. The other nominees included: Arsenal FC, Detroit Pistons, FC Barcelona, and San Francisco Giants.
The winners in each of the 11 categories, which this year focused on the theme “Beyond Innovation,” will receive funding from the Beyond Sport Foundation, courtesy of Comic Relief.
ABOUT THE CHICAGO FIRE FOUNDATION
The Chicago Fire's goal on the field is to play hard and win. Its goal off the field is to contribute to the quality of life in Chicago and its surrounding communities. Through the Chicago Fire Foundation, the Fire is able to give back to the community by leveraging its resources and expertise in the area of soccer to provide sports-based youth development and direct-service programs to Chicagoland’s underserved communities. Since 1998, the Chicago Fire Foundation, the charitable arm of the Chicago Fire Major League Soccer Team, has made significant contributions to enhance the lives of disadvantaged youth throughout Chicagoland. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $1.8 million dollars in grants and contributions. The Chicago Fire Foundation raises funds through events such as the annual Season Kickoff Luncheon, the Commemorative Jersey Auction, and 50/50 Raffle. For more information about the Chicago Fire Foundation, visit www.chicago-fire.com/community.
