Today sees the launch of Women’s Sport Trust’s 2017 #BeAGameChanger Awards, with nominations open from February 1- 15, 2017.
The #BeAGameChanger Awards demonstrate the power of women’s sport to accelerate gender equality both in, and beyond, sport. Now in their third year, the Awards highlight the stories and examples of sporting role models, leaders, journalists, broadcasters and businesses that drive real change for women’s sport. Together they make a powerful case for the sustained investment and coverage needed to achieve gender parity.
The Women’s Sport Trust #BeAGameChanger Awards will take place in London on May 11th 2017 before an audience including elite athletes, journalists, businesspeople, politicians, sports leaders, grassroots influencers and young people involved in sport.
Previous winners of prestigious #BeAGameChanger’s Awards have included the likes of Nicola Adams MBE, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Clare Balding, along with organisations such as BBC Sport, parkrun UK and British Rowing and individuals and groups making an impact in the community.
This year’s awards, sponsored by software giant Microsoft, promise to be even bigger and better.
Microsoft UK’s Human Resources Director, Theresa McHenry confirmed: “We are delighted to support the work of the Women’s Sport Trust and to be the headline sponsor for the #BeAGameChanger Awards. At Microsoft we are passionate about the development and support of female role models, and these Awards reflect the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations to make a positive change.”
Nominations are open across eleven award categories including Sporting Role Model, Sports’ National Governing Body of the Year, Imagery of the Year, Sponsorship of the Year and Inspiring Initiative. Following a public nomination process, awards are shortlisted by WST’s Board of Trustees with finalists in each category then selected by an Expert Panel before a public vote decides the eventual winners.
These Awards are viewed as having a powerful influence on shaping the agenda for women’s sport and widely recognised by brands, athletes and broadcasters as offering a landmark opportunity to showcase the progress being made.
“We were blown away. I tend to go to a fair amount of industry bashes and this was by far the most inspiring and most fun I’ve had. It is also a big reason why our sports group has decided to become more actively involved in women’s sport.” Julian Moore, Pinsent Masons
"The Women's Sport Trust have been groundbreaking in pushing women's sport into new and exciting territory. They have led the charge and are an absolute inspiration to me and many others.” Kate Richardson-Walsh OBE, Gold Medal winning GB Women’s Hockey Captain.
“The WST are powerful advocates for change.” Tanni Grey-Thompson
“WST are doers, and I love that. Each event or new initiative has been fused with fun, dynamism, having a giggle. At the BeAGameChanger awards I sat and marveled at a room packed with sporting celebrities and industry bosses, genuinely enjoying a night celebrating women's sport."
Anna Kessel, Guardian and author of “Eat Sweat Play”
WST has designed the Awards so that they demonstrate how women's sport is becoming an increasingly irresistible proposition. They do this by highlighting success stories, connecting decision makers with one another and raising the profile of inspiring role models.
“We strongly encourage people to nominate those individuals and organisations they believe should be recognised for the work they are doing and the example they are setting.
“Great stories about these trailblazers are contagious and stimulate others to step up and play their part in promoting women’s sport.”
Tammy Parlour, Co-Founder, Women’s Sport Trust
