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RISE CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE FAN EXPERIENCE HITS ROAD THIS WINTER, SPRING

By Jared Shanker

Feb. 28, 2022

Caption: Las Vegas Raiders Pro Bowler Darren Waller visits RISE's Champions of Change at Super Bowl Experience in Los Angeles.

Champions of Change is RISE's in-person and virtual experience that takes fans on a multi-sensory journey designed to educate, evoke empathy and inspire action, while highlighting the impact sports have on inspiring social change. Fans hear firsthand stories from athletes, coaches and sports leaders on their experiences with race, discrimination and activism and can explore the RISE Road to Progress, an interactive timeline that chronicles the historic intersection of sports and social justice.

And Champions of Change had its busiest month yet as the RISE experience was set up from coast to coast and across the entire country - with more locations coming.

Once again, Champions of Change returned to the site of the Super Bowl. As part of Super Bowl Experience presented by Lowe's in the Los Angeles Convention Center, the latest upgrades to Champions of Change were unveiled, including new Walk In Their Shoes videos from Pro Bowlers Darren Waller and Justin Simmons and new Super Bowl champions Andrew Whitworth and Nick Scott of the Los Angeles Rams. Then on Super Bowl Sunday, Champions of Change traveled to the SoFi Stadium concourse to educate fans on issues of race, diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the day's festivities.

Caption: Champions of Change at Super Bowl Experience in Los Angeles.

“This is a terrific exhibit. I definitely love seeing all the different examples of sports furthering human rights and civil rights,” said NFL fan local to southern California. “It's essential that everyone listens and understands what other people are going through that may not be like them. That's the key.”

To celebrate Black History Month, the Minnesota Lynx and Timberwolves brought Champions of Change to the Target Center and created a custom virtual experience with support from U.S. Bank. The Brooklyn Nets also brought Champions of Change to its Barclays Center concourse for several games throughout February to honor Black History Month.

Caption: A young Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx fans goes through the Road to Progress at Champions of Change at the Target Center.

Last, Champions of Change was on display as part of the Cleveland Power of Sport Summit, which was held in the city the weekend of the NBA All-Star Game and celebrated diversity, equity and inclusion by demonstrating the power of sport as a catalyst for change. Held in conjunction with NBA All-Star 2022, the free multi-day event showcased local and national organizations utilizing their voices to address topics related to adaptive sports, gender equity, LGBTQIA+ athlete advocacy, mental health, racial equity and more.

Where will Champions of Change be next? As part of the NCAA Men's Final Four in New Orleans from Apr. 2-4, RISE and Champions of Change will be on site!

Additionally, fans across the country can also experience Champions of Change virtually by visiting risetowin.org/champions.

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