A Year of Impact: What We've Achieved in 2019
December 20, 2019
2019 was an incredible year of growth and new endeavors for Beyond Sport, and thanks to our vast network and global partners, we were able to focus on relevant issues and innovate how we deliver in order to create true, lasting impact.
Together, we explored new topics, brought old subjects into fresh and engaging environments and expanded our annual gatherings to create truly immersive and in-depth discussions and experiences. Impact sits at the heart of everything we do, and thanks to our incredible global network and partners, this year we were able to generate greater, longer-lasting collective impact, unlike any year prior.
Our events are a key part of how we are able to drive that meaningful change. In 2019, we held nine separate events across the US and UK, while also featuring at three incredible convenings across the world.
Below are just a few highlights of where we were in 2019.
The Sport and STEM Alliance Forums
Members of the Sport & STEM Alliance, founded by Beyond Sport, the San Francisco 49ers Foundation and Chevron, gathered twice throughout the year, in April and November, to collaborate with like-minded, leading organizations driving innovation in STEM education through sports.
In November, prior to Beyond Innovation, Alliance Members came together for an interactive working session at the TGR Learning Lab, run by TGR Foundation - a Tiger Wood's Charity.
To learn more about the Alliance and to join, please contact [email protected].
Stay in the Game Forum
More than 100 leaders gathered in New York for the inaugural Stay in the Game Forum - Beyond Sport’s first-ever convening of leaders from across the US sport, healthcare, social change, business, academia and development sectors to explore sport’s potential as a platform and a catalyst to promote mental wellness.
Hosted at MLB's offices and held alongside Headline Partners, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance) and Centerstone, Official Partners, the Citrone 33 Foundation and USA Cycling, and Beyond Sport’s Founding US Major League Supporters -- MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, NHL and the WNBA -- the new initiative prioritizes a public health issue that affects over 40 million Americans.
Beyond Sport at Cannes-Lions Goals House
As the world’s creative leaders gathered in Cannes, France to shape the creative marketing agenda at Cannes Lions, Beyond Sport hosted an afternoon of engaging content at Goals House. We led high-level conversations to envision the way ahead for the world with our session titled “Going Beyond Sport to Achieve the Global Goals: How the Power of Sport and Activism Marketing Can Scale Impact for the SDGs.”
Beyond Sport UK
Beyond Sport UK looked at sport as a driver for both social good and business success and examined how unique and unexpected partnerships, across the public, third and corporate sector are creating lasting change and determine how we can do more together.
Over the course of the day at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, more than 300 leaders encompassing sport, business, government, social change, academia, development, funders and NGOs, immersed themselves in exploring solutions, approaches and unique new partnerships that would better position sport to address the crucial societal issues the UK is facing, while firmly aligning with larger global sustainable development frameworks.
Beyond Sport House
From September 11-13, 500 leaders in sport, business, social change, academia and development gathered in New York for the latest initiative in the Beyond Sport movement. The inaugural Beyond Sport House presented by SAP experience was three days of learning, networking, conversation and celebration at the vibrant and purpose-driven SAP Next-Gen Lab in an exploration of new and exciting way to support the global movement of sport for sustainable social change.
Beyond Sport House included three of our cornerstone events including:
10 Round Tables
The first day of Beyond Sport House kicked off with a deep dive into sport’s role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in advance of the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Senior level executives came together around ‘10Roundtables’ to think beyond individual organizational goals and challenges to generate solutions to advance 10 of the SDGs where sport has the greatest potential for collective impact.
Beyond Sport Global Awards
In its 11th year, the 2019 Beyond Sport Global Awards celebrated, supported, raised awareness and provided over $650,000 in grant funding for ways sport is being used to help make the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) a reality.
The finalists were chosen from over 300 entries and shortlisted into seven categories and two special awards. The event also celebrated the winners of inaugural Collective Impact Awards, which were specifically designed to convene leading organizations to combine their efforts and expertise to combat Climate Action and Inequality.
Beyond Sport United
The final day of Beyond Sport House culminated with our annual Beyond Sport United conference, this year addressing the local opportunity for the sport industry and how large-scale organizations are having to understand how to engage specific communities with localized shared-value approaches. United also showcased how global brands are taking localized approached to make an impact – and how sport can play a role. Attendees then heard directly from leagues, teams and clubs on what it means to go local through sport.
Beyond Sport at the UN General Assembly SDG Action Zone
During the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Beyond Sport hosted the opening session of the SDG Action Zone at the UN Headquarters in New York. On the fourth anniversary of the adoption of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Beyond Sport, along with high-level decision makers in the sport industry shared commitments and actions on how to use sport to address key SDGs.
Beyond Innovation
Hosted by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation at the iconic Dodger Stadium, our third installment of Beyond Innovation advanced the conversation on sport's role in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. We convened executives from across the sports, tech, government and education sectors to inspire cross-sector partnerships and innovative solutions to the world's most pressing social issues in support of the UN Global Goals (SDGs).
The event featured a stimulating program of world class speakers, live interactive programming on Dodger field, roundtable workshops and a networking reception.
ESPN Leadership Dinner
The evening before Beyond Innovation, Dodger Stadium was also the site of the ESPN Leadership Dinner, where 60 business leaders were treated to an insightful discussion from David Goldstein, PhD Colonel (ret), U.S. Air Force and Director of Special Programs at SpaceX. He shared his expertise on the current technology landscape, the leadership needed to enhance the sector and how sport can help advance STEM for future work forces.
Beyond Sport @ Web Summit
Web Summit brought together corporates, startups, investors, business leaders, government, and civil society in Lisbon from 160+ countries on November 5–7. Web Summit provides opportunities for its 70,000+ attendees to network with leadership from top companies and with founders of emerging startups, learn about the changing tech ecosystem and new business trends, and to gain exposure to journalists and press opportunities.
Thank you to everyone who made 2019 an incredible year. We look forward to continuing where we left off in 2020.
#SameTeam
Learn about our year ahead here.