The wait is nearly over for the shortlisted nominees in the London Sport Awards 2020, with Premier League Football Clubs and FTSE100 businesses joining community groups, health projects and volunteers in the race to pick up one of the 10 awards.
For the first time, the London Sport Awards 2020 features a dedicated category focused on the business community, which will see UBS, Prudential and Cause & Effect Creative vying to be named the first ever winners of the Business Contribution Award in association with the City of London Corporation.
This year also marks the debut of Inspirational Young Person of the Year with nominees Nahimul Islam, Xahir Durant and Vanessa Nsilu all highlighting the phenomenal commitment young Londoners are making to grassroots physical activity and sport.
Two Premier League Football Clubs are recognised in the Impact of Elite Sport Award category, with Chelsea and West Ham United up against Richmond Rugby Club for their work on community and youth engagement plans.
The glittering Awards ceremony will be held at the Guildhall with Max Rushden, host of the Guardian Football Weekly podcast, leading the estimated 400 guests through proceedings on Friday 6 March.
Guest speakers for the ceremony include by the Lord Mayor of the City of London William Russell and Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement at City Hall.
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The audience will also hear from former Royal Marines Commando Andy Grant, RED January founder Hannah Beecham and Chelsea footballer, and member of the London Sport Awards Judging Panel, Anita Asante.
Tove Okunniwa, chief executive of London Sport, said: “This year’s shortlists show, once again, how London’s grassroots physical activity and sport community is thriving.
“Every year, I am blown away by the dedication and commitment on show at the London Sport Awards, and this year’s shortlists leave me in no doubt that physical activity will continue to make a life-changing distance to millions of people right the way across London.
“Congratulations to every project, group and individual on the shortlists; I very much look forward to meeting all of them at the London Sport Awards on 6 March.”
The winners of all 10 categories will be announced at the capital’s biggest celebration of grassroots physical activity and sport on 6 March 2020 at the Guildhall, in the heart of the City of London.
The awards, which will be delivered in partnership with the City of London Corporation, will bring together people and organisations from every part of London’s sporting community, shining a light on the life-changing impact of physical activity and sport for all Londoners.
William Russell, Lord Mayor of the City of London, said: “Sport is a major part of the rich and vibrant culture that makes London such a great place to live, learn, work and visit.
“And the people shortlisted play a crucial role in making the capital the world-leading city it is today. Their dedication and commitment makes a difference to millions across London.
“Together we will showcase the social and economic impact that they make, and the leading role that business plays in developing grassroots sport.
“Congratulations to everyone who has been nominated. I wish them the best of luck at the ceremony on 6 March.”
Tickets for the event are now on sale from www.londonsport.org/london-sport-awards/ticket-2020/
Have you heard?
The special guest speakers for the #LondonSportAwards supported by @cityoflondon have been announced
Take a look➡https://t.co/YhLDz3RqxJ
There’s only 5️⃣ days left to grab your tickets⌛🎟 pic.twitter.com/eWHATZeU4a
— London Sport (@LondonSport) February 21, 2020
London Sport Awards 2020 shortlist
The Enhancing the Workforce Award in association with Spond
- ECB Cities Team (Multi-Borough)
- Coach Core (Kensington & Chelsea)
- QMSU Community Sport (Tower Hamlets)
The Technology and Innovation Award
- RunFriendly (Southwark)
- Street Tag (Barking & Dagenham)
- Good Boost (Southwark)
The Children and Young People Award in association with PlayInnovation
- Mini Mermaids Running Club (Islington)
- Movement Works (Lambeth)
- Fulham Reach Boat Club (Hammersmith & Fulham)
- Hestia’s Family Fitness Project (Multi-Borough)
The Physical Activity for Health Award
- Hestia’s Family Fitness Project (Multi-Borough)
- Core Sport (Hackney)
- Step Change Studios (Westminster)
- Caridon Foundation (Croydon)
Volunteer of the Year in association with Davies Sports
- Linda Almond (Islington)
- Nafisa Patel (Newham)
- Seth Lewis (Hillingdon)
The Sport Unites Award
- Time Out Together – London Sports Trust (Hammersmith & Fulham)
- Ebony Horse Club (Lambeth)
- The Golf Trust (Multi-Borough)
The Impact of Elite Sport Award
- Richmond Rugby Club Community Department (Richmond-upon-Thames)
- West Ham United Football Club (Newham)
- Chelsea Champions (Kensington & Chelsea)
The Business Contribution Award in association with the City of London Corporation
- Cause & Effect Creative (Wandsworth)
- UBS (Hackney)
- Prudential (City of London)
Inspirational Young Person of the Year
- Xahir (Southwark)
- Vanessa Nsilu (Barking & Dagenham)
- Nahimul Islam (Tower Hamlets)
The Community Impact Award
- Carers 4 Carers (Lambeth)
- Black Prince Trust (Lambeth)
- Barnet Walking Football Team (Multi-Borough)