Local professional sports teams in Washington, D.C. have announced their renewed commitment to community safety as they gear up to wear orange on Gun Violence Awareness Weekend. This collaborative effort marks the third consecutive year that D.C. sports teams have united to combat violence in the area and encourage fans to join the cause.
The teams, including the Washington Capitals, Commanders, Nationals, Mystics, Spirit, Wizards, DC Shadow, D.C. United, and Capital City Go-Go, released a joint statement expressing their dedication to making the community a safer place for all residents. They called on their fans to stand with them and work towards putting an end to gun violence.
During Wear Orange Weekend from June 7 to June 9, the local teams playing at home will show their support in various ways. Initiatives will kick off with the Mystics hosting in-game activations on Friday, followed by the Spirit and Nationals highlighting the cause during their respective home games.
Over the past two years, the combined efforts of D.C. sports teams have raised over $200,000 for community-based violence intervention programs through donations from the teams and sports fans in the area.
Individual teams like the Washington Nationals will raise funds and awareness for the Everytown Community Safety Fund, while the Mystics, Wizards, Capitals, and Capital City Go-Go will host various events and activities to promote gun violence prevention during the weekend.
The Washington Commanders, in collaboration with other D.C. sports teams, are also contributing funds towards the Everytown Community Safety Fund and leveraging their social platforms to share impactful stories related to gun violence.
Overall, the unified efforts of Washington, D.C. sports teams aim to bring attention to the issue of gun violence and encourage the community to take a stand against it.