Nominations are now being invited for the ‘Sport for Change’ category in the 2024 SJA British Sports Awards, supported by Altair Ltd.
The prestigious award, which ConnectSport CIC originally created in partnership with the Sports Journalists’ Association in 2018, aims to highlight the amazing work of organisations using sport and/or physical activity to generate positive ESG (environmental, social and governance) outcomes in communities across the UK. These can be nationwide, or at local, grassroots level.
This year the category is being sponsored by Altair Ltd which specialises in helping socially-focused organisations in community impact, strategy and fundraising. The consultancy has been supporting the relaunch of ConnectSport as a Community Interest Company this Autumn.
The Sport for Change Award recognises the growing influence of the sport for development sector, which includes professional club foundations, charities, sports governing bodies, public sector and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes. These organisations are addressing a wide range of important social, environmental and economic issues such as crime and unemployment, physical and mental health and wellbeing, climate change, and social inequality and discrimination.
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SJA chairman Ashley Broadley, said: “It is really important that these awards continue to recognise the brilliant work that is being done by organisations and individuals using sport to create a positive impact.”
Organisations, both inside and outside of sport, are now being invited to submit their applications for the award, which will be judged by a panel of experts on the following criteria:
Impact and reach
Scale and difficulty of the issue being tackled
Longevity and sustainability of the project
Resourcefulness and dedication of staff, coaches and volunteers
Innovation and/or collaboration
Monitoring and evaluation, including clarity and transparency around impact reporting
Applicants must provide an overview of no more than 300 words describing their project or ongoing work, plus a 200-word case study demonstrating the impact of the programme, for example on a specific individual or community. A panel of national journalists and leading sport executives will form the judging panel for the Award.
To enter, click the link below and complete the online form no later than 5pm on Wednesday 6th November. Make sure you include the name of the project and/or organisation and provide contact details, including name of contact, telephone, email, website and social media handles.
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Shortlisted entries for the Sport for Change Award will be announced on the SJA website on Wednesday 20th November, alongside the winners of the other categories who will be unveiled live on Sky Sports.
The shortlist will then be invited to a special Parliamentary reception on Monday 9th December, when the overall winner will be announced. The reception will be attended by other award winners including athletes and sports teams.
SJA Sport for Change Award – Past Winners
2018: The Wave Project
2019: Salaam Peace (pictured above receiving their award from Sport England CEO Tim Hollingsworth)
2020: Marcus Rashford, Lou Macari, Ebony Rainford-Brent and Dons Action Group
2021: The London Marathon
2022: Panathlon Challenge
2023: Tackle
The entry deadline for the 2024 Sport for Change Award is Wednesday 6th November (5pm GMT). If you have any questions or queries, please contact james@s2fevents.co.uk
