For as long as Ben Olsen has been a champion for D.C. United, he has been the same for the District of Columbia.
On Wednesday, D.C. Vote will return the favor, honoring the United head coach for his support for the city, as he is honored with the organization’s Democracy All-Star Award, a part of its 3 Star Ball on the rooftop of the National Association of Realtors building.
Olsen has been featured in the past by D.C. Vote in an advertising campaign advocating for local budget control, with his picture on buses and bus shelters around the city. He also made an appearance at a D.C. Vote happy hour, attended the organization’s Democracy Gala in 2014, and in general has been outspoken for D.C. voting rights.
“It’s been great to work with D.C Vote, and I’m all for equality for D.C.,” Olsen said. “It’s a great time to be part of the District. It’s been my home for a long time, and I’m raising a family here. I’m also proud of D.C. United’s commitment to staying here, and to the District’s commitment to the team, approving the new stadium in December. District statehood and budget autonomy make so much sense, and this is a fun event that helps bring these issues to the forefront.”
D.C. Vote will also honor D.C. United with the Raising the Bar Award. The Black-and-Red have a legacy of commitment to the District that stretches back over two decades. With approval of a new stadium by the D.C. Council in December 2014, the club committed its future to the District for generations to come.
D.C. Vote works to raise awareness and support for public policy that provides greater autonomy to the District and hopes to restore democratic equality for all in the District of Columbia.
