The Beyond Sport Team Reflects on 2021

December 17, 2021

Beyond Sport has had a truly transformational year. Whether it’s the programs we’ve launched, the gatherings we’ve hosted or the partnerships we’ve created, we're so fortunate to be able to engage with so many people that share our vision and mission, and commit to action in bringing this to life. 

As we look to close out our most impactful year yet, the Beyond Sport team took this time to reflect on personal highlights of inspiration, be them big or small, that we will be keeping with us as we look to build on all that we’ve achieved heading into 2022 and beyond.

Fred Turner, Executive Director 

Being able to take a holistic approach to address an issue as important as racial equity has been deeply powerful for me. I thrive off learning in my job, and with our recently launched Return to Play Fund, I’ve been able to immerse myself in such a critical issue. We began our approach based on the voices of Black and Brown communities, community leaders, health experts and trauma experts to ensure our efforts are informed by the needs of the communities we serve. I’m proud of our approach and the fact that we are doing something truly unique in our sector for those that need it more and excited for what is to come.

Abby West, Programs & Network Coordinator

I've loved having the opportunity to work with many new grant partners this year, getting to know them and learning about the amazing work their organizations are doing. I'm looking forward to 2022 when I hope we will have the opportunity to broaden the Beyond Sport network even further and get even more support out into the sector.

Radha Balani, Director of Design & Facilitation

I really enjoyed being able to host both online and in person content this year. We were very intentional about the amount that we do online and how we do it to mitigate against screen fatigue, balanced with not over-programming the in person stuff and just creating spaces where people can connect and have meaningful conversations.

Peter Hughes, Programs & Network Manager

The best part of my job has always been getting to learn from the cutting-edge organizations in the Beyond Sport network – and to see the good that they are doing in communities. Through the coach training modules in the Rexona Breaking Limits Programme, I’ve learned so much about the innovative methods that organizations like Coaches Across Continents, Generation Spirit and The Change Foundation are using to address social issues and ensure that everyone can access the transformative power of sport.

Ushma Makwana, Content Coordinator

Being able to amplify the amazing work of our Network in a more purposeful and meaningful way was definitely my highlight of this year! Can’t wait to engage with the #SameTeam next year, continue to tell and amplify more inspiring sport for social change stories from our network and gain some new #BeyondSport family members.

Georgie Ffennell, Senior Program Operations & Events Manager

After more than a year of being apart and virtual, it was wonderful to be able to bring some of the members of our Network together for November's Beyond Sport United 2021 in New York - the first in-person event we've done since the pandemic. It was also rewarding to be able to engage with our partners, expert advisors and grantees across a range of programs this year - especially with our collaborative work to address racial inequality, and in particular with the process to create the REAL tool.

Ben Freedman, Development Manager

I enjoyed working with partners and members of our network in identifying new ways of thinking, how we can work together, and what we can do better in order to continue to create positive social impact through sport.

Karen Asare, Director of Content & Communications

This year Beyond Sport created its first-ever Youth Advisory Board following a global search that brought in hundreds of applications. It was inspiring - and a little intimidating! - to read about all the amazing projects happening around the world from young people who are just 18-22 years old. I truly enjoyed speaking with the eight we selected and was honored to share their work, thoughts, motivations and aspirations with our reaaders.