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December 16, 2022
Beyond Sport had a truly transformational year in our journey. We’re always very fortunate to be able to partner with so many people that share our vision, mission and a committment to action. And, this year, we were also pleased to welcome new members to our team as we look to expand on Beyond Sport’s impact in the sector and beyond.
As the end of 2022 approaches, we took some time to reflect on personal highlights from an eventful year that we will be keeping with us as we head into 2023 and beyond:
Fred Turner, Executive Director
It was exciting to be able to bring a sector-wide convening back to the UK this year with Beyond the Games in partnership with Sport England and UK Sport. The event came at a timely moment, where we were able to take Beyond Sport to Birmingham just ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games to spotlight the importance of ensuring an equitable, inclusive and impactful sporting and physical activity ecosystem that serves the needs of our communities. It was a candid forum about where we are falling short, where we’re making progress and how, collectively, we need to do more. Beyond Sport develops platforms like these just for that reason and we’re looking forward to more events like this in the new year!
Amy O’Brien, Director of Programmes
Anyone in the sport for social change space will tell you that the best way to understand the impact of a program, initiative or investment is to get out and see it for yourself. My highlight of 2022 is without a doubt teaming up with The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation to deliver a coach leadership workshop for its Sports Matter Day. Hearing the impact of our capacity development efforts, as well as seeing the joy brought to those participating in Sports Matter Day, is an inspiration to carry us through 2023.
Ushma Makwana, Content Manager
The highlight of my year has been amplifying the voices and amazing work of our Network in Action through storytelling in our weekly bulletin. I can’t wait to build on this in the new year and continue to tell and amplify more inspiring sport for social change stories. Here’s to our #SameTeam!
P.S. I also loved returning to convene the sector at our two live events this year – looking forward to more in 2023!
Carly Heinz, Associate Director of Development
This is my first year working with Beyond Sport and it’s hard to pinpoint just one highlight, but a big one for me was this year’s edition of Beyond Sport United. I had been to the event as an attendee in the past and getting to actually work it this year, collaborate with our partners and put on a great conference that I learned so much from was really fulfilling. One of my highlights from the day was listening to our board member, Ambassador Shabazz, share her knowledge and experience on the Civic Engagement panel.
Karen Asare, Director of Content and Communications
It was wonderful to have the honor once again of engaging with and sharing the stories of our Courageous Use of Sport Award winners. Presented by WWE for the fifth year running, the young leaders, with their varied experiences, locations, mindsets and approach to sport for social change, are a pleasure to learn from. During times of personal challenge, when you think you just can’t do it, the determination they have to change their communities and the world are a true motivator. We’re really looking forward to sharing the stories and work of this year’s honorees with our network early next year. Stay tuned!
Joe Gorman, Development Associate
Working on Beyond Sport United was an exceptionally rewarding experience. I was honored to collaborate with so many industry leaders both in and outside the sport sector. While helping plan this event was an active job, I tried to take a moment to learn and listen to the diverse voices of our guest speakers. Hearing them share how the sector can reach historically marginalized communities will inspire and guide my work in the year ahead.
Abby West, Grants and Programmes Manager
2022 has been a huge year for Beyond Sport grant programs. I’ve really enjoyed developing the Rexona Breaking Limits Programme further, supporting new and returning partners to engage with the training series and access grant funds across five countries with the introduction of Mexico and Argentina. Closer to home, a highlight for me has been launching the new NFL Foundation UK and Mayor of London partnerships program. It’s been great to broaden our network of partners on our doorstep here in London and to have the chance to meet them in person to see their incredible work firsthand.
You can learn more about the Beyond Sport team here.
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