Building on the recent launch of its new Global Sport Leadership Advisory Group, Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc has formed an innovative partnership with global sport and development initiative Beyond Sport.
Beyond Sport is a global organisation that promotes, develops and funds the use of sport to create positive social change across the world.
This unique collaboration will be on display as Heidrick & Struggles lends its experience and insight to the second annual Beyond Sport Summit and awards, taking place in Chicago on September 29-30.
“Heidrick & Struggles has long recognised the role leadership and innovation play in creating meaningful social change. This is why we are proud to join Beyond Sport in recognising leaders who have used sport to improve the lives of people in profound ways,” says Joe Bailey, managing partner, Global Sport Leadership Advisory Group.
As part of the summit, Heidrick & Struggles will be the presenting sponsor of the Leadership in Sport Award, one of the flagship Beyond Sport Award categories, which recognises an individual or organisation that has demonstrated such skills in the face of significant social challenges.
Kevin Kelly, Heidrick & Struggles’ CEO, will present this prestigious award during the climactic final day of the Beyond Sport Summit.
“This award has already developed a strong heritage in the form of the 2009 recipient Kofi Annan who, through his efforts at the UN, acknowledged the power of sport as real, serious and consequential. This year’s winner will again reflect the power of dynamic leadership and innovation to create and sustain positive change,” says Kelly.
In addition to the Leadership in Sport Award, Heidrick & Struggles will host a leadership workshop and breakfast on the eve of the summit for representatives from the 34 nominated projects named on the Beyond Sport Awards shortlist.
During this session these independent initiatives will mix with an array of specially invited senior executives from corporate companies, allowing them to take home tangible insights to help their projects grow and become sustainable in the future.
Designed to recognise and reward the best sport and development projects from across the world on an annual basis, the Beyond Sport Awards incorporates 13 categories covering the entire sporting spectrum of health, social inclusion, corporate and social responsibility, and philanthropy.
Now in its second year, the awards has attracted entries from over 400 projects, further extending the reach of this initiative to over 115 countries and territories.
The winners of the awards will be announced at the Beyond Sport Summit, a unique event designed to celebrate, promote and drive forward the use of sport as a tool for positive social change. I
The 2010 event already boasts an impressive line-up of speakers, including Olympic legends Michael Johnson, Frankie Fredericks, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Ian Thorpe; HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan; former South African soccer captain Lucas Radebe; and US senator and former presidential candidate Bill Bradley.
Beyond Sport is also represented by a host of high profile ambassadors, all who bring unique experiences and visions to the initiative. Chaired by former British prime minister Tony Blair, they also include Lord Sebastian Coe, chairman of London 2012; New York Yankees baseball star Derek Jeter; and IOC executive board member Nawal El Moutawakel, the minister of youth and sports, Morocco.
For further information and to see the full summit schedule visit www.beyondsport.org.
