Racing Louisville FC, Down Syndrome of Louisville win 2023 Nationwide Community Impact Award

The National Women’s Soccer League, in partnership with Nationwide, announced today that Racing Louisville FC, led by player ambassador Jaelin Howell, and Down Syndrome of Louisville have been named the recipients of the 2023 Nationwide Community Impact Award, a season-long initiative that promotes community partnerships and local service projects chosen and led by each NWSL club.

In honor of the charitable collaboration, Nationwide presented a $25,000 donation to Down Syndrome of Louisville in an on-field, halftime presentation at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego during the 2023 NWSL Championship, presented by Bud Light. The community partnership is showcased in this video.

“Congratulations to Racing Louisville FC, player ambassador Jaelin Howell and Down Syndrome of Louisville on this award-winning collaboration,” said Ramon Jones, Nationwide’s EVP and Chief Marketing Officer. “Jaelin’s leadership and hands-on approach made for a truly authentic club-community partnership. Nationwide is honored to showcase their collective efforts and continue to support Down Syndrome of Louisville’s mission to provide lifelong learning services to maximize the unique abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.”

“Jaelin Howell exemplifies what it means to serve her community,” said Down Syndrome of Louisville Engagement Director Carly Riggs. “At Down Syndrome of Louisville, with Jaelin leading the way, we truly feel as if we are ‘BFFs’ with Racing Lou! Jaelin and her community engagement team planned events, sponsorships, giving campaigns, and volunteer opportunities to support our members throughout the year, and our partnership is so special. We are so proud and humbled that Jaelin chose DSL, and we can’t wait to see what magic we can make in the future.”

Serving over 1,300 individuals in Kentucky and Southern Indiana, Down Syndrome of Louisville works to support, educate, and advocate for individuals with Down Syndrome to help them to reach their full potential. Their work includes specialized developmental and educational services for individuals with Down Syndrome across their entire lifespan. To learn more about Down Syndrome of Louisville, or to donate to their cause, visit dsoflou.org.

As part of the Nationwide Community Impact Award program, each NWSL team partnered with Nationwide to select one season-long community partner. Each community organization received a donation from Nationwide to support its program and serve as the focus of a team-led service project, with a designated player ambassador to champion the effort.

Racing Louisville FC becomes the third recipient of the award since its inception in 2021. Previous club winners include Kansas City Current (2022) and OL Reign (2021).