South Africa's Kicking for Peace Project named on Beyond Sport Awards short list

Beyond Sport is the global initiative which, through its Awards programme, seeks to unearth, celebrate and support the world’s most inspirational sports projects, people and organisations that drive positive change through sport.

Beyond Sport is championed by a host of individuals and organisations. Chaired by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Beyond Sport Ambassadors are high-profile political figures, sporting heroes and social entrepreneurs, united by their commitment to the Beyond Sport mission.

The South African KICKING FOR PEACE project was chosen as part of the Shortlist from over 265 entries covering more than 80 countries that submitted applications to this year’s Awards.

The successful projects in the six Beyond Sport Foundation Award categories will each receive £10,000 while all winners will benefit from a unique package of support to help their initiative to develop in the future. By reaching this stage of the judging process, KICKING FOR PEACE will also receive an invitation to attend the Beyond Sport Summit on July 7-9 in London.

The unprecedented, invite-only Summit will be led by influential global figures including Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic; Prince Faisal Al Hussein of Jordan; Boris Johnson, Mayor of London; and Wilfred Lemke, United Nations Special Advisor to the Secretary General.

Throughout the three days of the Summit, the shortlisted projects will have the opportunity to interact with Beyond Sport's extensive network of international sports organisations, corporate companies, influential political figures, and world leaders.

The Awards winners, to be selected by the panel of Beyond Sport Ambassadors, will be announced on the final day of the Summit.

Thanks to the unique support and goodwill of Beyond Sport’s Global Partner Virgin Atlantic, representatives from KICKING FOR PEACE and their counterparts from other shortlisted initiatives will be flown from all over world to the Summit in London.

Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, stated: “The Beyond Sport Awards Shortlist represents the best examples from across the globe of utilising sport as a vehicle for social change. We’re delighted to be able to help bring these inspirational individuals to London and look forward to meeting them and sharing their experiences at the Beyond Sport Summit.”

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Chairman of the Beyond Sport Ambassadors, added: “My congratulations to those projects from all corners of the world that have been nominated to the Beyond Sport Awards Shortlist. This is an immense achievement on the part of these individuals and organisations and recognises their important contribution to delivering social change.”

Beyond Sport is partnered with Barclays Spaces for Sports, TIME International and Virgin Atlantic.

Beyond Sport also has the support of a number of governing bodies and international sports federations, from the International Olympic Committee to the NBA and IAAF, all of whom have lent their substantial endorsement to the initiative.