Dutch accessibility initiative wins first ever F1 Allwyn Global Community Award and €100,000 donation

Formula 1, together with multi-national lottery-led entertainment company and Official Partner Allwyn, are proud to name a leading Dutch accessibility charity as the first-ever winner of the F1 Allwyn Global Community Award.

Stichting HandicapNL will receive a €100,000 donation from Allwyn in recognition for their commitment to supporting those with physical, intellectual, or multiple disabilities through a range of programmes.

At the Dutch Grand Prix, they work with the promoter to provide special care amenities including accessible showers, toilets, medical rooms, sensory-friendly zones and an accessible viewing platform on the main straight.

The charity was awarded the accolade at this year’s event in Zandvoort by an expert panel of judges from Formula 1, Allwyn, and the Dutch promoter, for its outstanding contribution in producing a positive impact in the local community.

The €100,000 donation from Allwyn will enable the organisation to take its operations to the next level and expand the reach of its work. With the prize fund, Stichting HandicapNL will make an additional four events accessible and provide support to a further six events.

The learnings from the existing programme will also serve to help the two million people living with disabilities in the Netherlands.

Established as part of Allwyn’s multi-year partnership with Formula 1, the F1 Allwyn Global Community Award aims to recognise the outstanding contributions to society that F1-linked initiatives are making in their country. The award reflects a shared commitment in driving positive change and giving back to the communities in which they operate.

Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer at Formula 1 said: "The F1 Allwyn Global Community Award is a perfect example of how Formula 1 can use partnerships to enact real change in the communities where it races.

"This unique collaboration has created a global platform to celebrate the fantastic local initiatives that go above and beyond to make a real difference. Stichting HandicapNL has helped transform experiences for many people living in the Netherlands, and the F1 Allwyn Global Community Award will help them to continue to expand their vital works and help people across the country."

Jan Karas, CEO of OPAP, part of Allwyn, and F1 Allwyn Global Community Award judge, added: "Stichting HandicapNL’s impact here in the Netherlands is truly inspiring. At Allwyn, we want to bring fun and entertainment to as many people as possible – no one should have to face a physical barrier in doing so.

"Stichting HandicapNL's work is not just improving accessibility for F1 fans but is providing learnings that can be applied to different types and scales of events outside of the F1 environment."

Jan Willem Koopman from Stichting HandicapNL, said: "Our ultimate goal is that it becomes commonplace for people with disabilities to access and inclusively attend a whole festival or event, from start to finish. It has been fantastic working with Formula 1 at Zandvoort to make this track as accessible as possible and, thanks to this award, we can expand our operations.

"The donation from Allwyn will mean we can make four additional events more accessible, support a further six events with advice and assistance and develop new partnerships with like-minded organisations.

"It will also have a lasting impact in the long term, empowering even more people to attend events, challenging negative perceptions and creating a more inclusive society."

In 2025, three more F1 Allwyn Global Community Award winners will be crowned and receive donations at the United States, Mexico City, and Las Vegas Grands Prix. The winners will be selected based on the impact they make across the four pillars of education, culture, wellbeing, and sustainability.