In this installment of Forward Mag, we celebrate three Goal Five Athletes giving back: Jasmyne Spencer (Seattle Reign), Gina Lewandowski (Bayern Munich), and Lauren Barnes (Seattle Reign). These players recently participated in the Global Jersey Exchange. The Global Jersey Exchange organizers, Underdogs United, auction off signed jerseys of professional athletes to raise funds for clean drinking water in Kenya. In exchange, the athletes receive a custom jersey made by a Kenyan artist. When Stephen Gabauer of Underdogs United approached Goal Five with this unique program, we reached out to our athletes. Jasmyne, Gina, and Lauren responded immediately.
Describing her desire to participate in the program, Jasmyne said, "I've always believed that sports can bring people together, and Underdogs United has created an initiative to do just that. I'm so excited to be a part of their Global Jersey Exchange because it gives me a chance to connect with people from across the globe for an amazing cause. Soccer has given me so much from an education to a career and I'm happy to be able to share my blessings from the game to help create a better life for people of Kenya."
Our G5 athletes join Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Steph Curry, Kyrie Irving, and many others in this cross-sport effort to bring clean drinking water to communities in Kenya. Gina Lewandowski echoed Jasmyne's thoughts about the role sport can play in changing the world, "Being able to reach out and support the global community through our sport means a lot and it is a great opportunity to give back, something little can go a long way. Soccer has given me so much and I am grateful when I can pass it on further in any way."
When discussing why she chose to participate, Lauren Barnes emphasized the importance of using your platform as an athlete. "I think it's important to use my platform to help spread awareness on issues concerning human health and quality of life around the world. I hope to make a positive impact on the communities in Kenya this summer!" As usual, we are awed by the level of compassion and commitment to others displayed by our G5 athletes and ambassadors. We are often approached to assist with worthy causes and our athletes never fail to rise to the occasion. Thank you to Stephen Gabauer and Underdogs United for the great work they are doing in Africa and around the globe.
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