Dutch Charity Stichting HandicapNL Wins Inaugural F1 Allwyn Global Community Award

Formula 1, in partnership with Allwyn, has awarded the first-ever F1 Allwyn Global Community Award to Stichting HandicapNL, a Dutch charity dedicated to supporting individuals with physical, intellectual, or multiple disabilities. The organization will receive a €100,000 donation from Allwyn in recognition of its significant contributions to enhancing accessibility and inclusivity.

Stichting HandicapNL has been instrumental in making events more accessible, including providing special amenities such as accessible showers, toilets, medical rooms, sensory-friendly zones, and an accessible viewing platform at the Zandvoort circuit. This initiative aligns with the F1 Allwyn Global Community Award's mission to celebrate F1-linked initiatives that create a positive societal impact.

Jan Willem Koopman from Stichting HandicapNL expressed gratitude for the award, stating that the €100,000 donation will enable the charity to expand its operations. The funding will support making four additional events accessible, provide assistance to six more events, and foster new partnerships. This expansion aims to empower more people with disabilities to attend events, challenge negative perceptions, and contribute to a more inclusive society.

Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer at Formula 1, highlighted the award as a prime example of how Formula 1 leverages partnerships to drive real community change. She praised Stichting HandicapNL for transforming experiences for many in the Netherlands and anticipates the award will help them broaden their vital work.

Jan Karas, CEO of OPAP and an award judge, commended Stichting HandicapNL's inspiring impact, emphasizing Allwyn's commitment to ensuring that entertainment is accessible to everyone. He noted that the charity's work not only benefits F1 fans but also provides valuable learnings for improving accessibility at various events.

Looking ahead, three more F1 Allwyn Global Community Award winners will be recognized in 2025, with selections based on their impact across education, culture, wellbeing, and sustainability.