Beyond Sport

Beyond Sport Awards 2009 open for entries

Beyond Sport – the global initiative backed by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, which seeks to unearth, celebrate and support the world’s most inspirational sports projects, people and organisations that drive positive change through sport – has announced that its inaugural Beyond Sport Awards are now open for entries.

There are 11 Award categories covering the entire sporting spectrum of corporate and social responsibility, change and philanthropy. A shortlist of entries will go before the Beyond Sport Judging Panel of Ambassadors, chaired by Tony Blair, who will choose the winner of each category.

The winners in eight categories will receive funding and long-term support to help them to become fully sustainable. All winners will be announced at the inaugural Beyond Sport Summit to be held in London on 8-9 July 2009.

Groups and individuals from across the globe can enter their social change projects in the Beyond Sport Awards via www.beyondsport.org, the initiative’s community-driven website where social entrepreneurs in sport can also share their ideas and insights with each other.  

Tony Blair, Chairman of the Beyond Sport Ambassadors, stated: “I’m delighted to be able to announce that the Beyond Sport Awards are now open for entries. This is the first step towards our goal of recognising and supporting the most inspirational projects that use sport to drive a positive message. We look forward to receiving submissions from all corners of the world providing real working examples of sport’s unparalleled power as an instigator of social change.”

The announcement of the opening of the entry process coincides with the unveiling of a new Official Partner for the initiative in the form of Barclays Spaces for Sports.  Barclays Spaces for Sports has already opened 200 sustainable sports sites across the UK, benefiting more than half a million people. Following its success to date it has now expanded globally.

The programme has operated in the UK via a successful partnership between Barclays, the Football Foundation and Groundwork.

Rachael Barber, Head of Global Community Investment at Barclays, said: “Barclays Spaces for Sports recognises the power of sport to deliver substantial social change. This is a view shared by the Beyond Sport initiative which makes the association between the two organisations such a natural partnership. Together we will strive to demonstrate how much of a positive impact sport can have on the lives of individuals and communities around the world.”

If you are involved with or know of a project that you think deserves to be considered for the Awards, please visit www.beyondsport.org or call Beyond Sport on 0044 20 3355 8133.
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Notes to Editors
Beyond Sport
Beyond Sport is championed by a host of individuals and organisations. Chaired by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Beyond Sport Ambassadors are high-profile political figures, sporting heroes and social entrepreneurs, united by their commitment to the Beyond Sport mission.
Beyond Sport also has the support of a number of governing bodies and international sports federations, from the International Olympic Committee to the NBA and IAAF, all of whom have lent their substantial endorsement to the initiative.

Barclays Spaces for Sports

•    Barclays Spaces for Sports has delivered 200 sustainable sports sites, awarded more than 4,000 coaching packs and give more than half a million people across the UK the opportunity to benefit.
•    It is the single biggest investment in grassroots sport ever by a private company in the UK.
•    Following its success in the UK, the programme expanded globally in April 2008 to include other territories where Barclays operates, reflecting its role as a global business.
•    Sustainability is fundamental to the programme, with additional support provided to every project as part of the commitment their long-term future.
•    Barclays Spaces for Sports is part of Barclays global community programme which invested £52.4m across 52 countries in 2007.
•    For more details, see www.barclays.com/community/spacesforsports

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