“There is no greater global force than sport”
Former Beyond Sport Global Award Winners and Shortlisters give words of wisdom to this year’s Shortlist and reflect on why sport is such a powerful tool to address Global Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.
October 8, 2020
From September 28 to October 9, we are highlighting the stories and work of our 2020 Beyond Sport Global Awards Shortlisters who are using sport to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being at all ages. Today, we hear from three former Beyond Sport Global Award Winners and Shortlisters who have been working hard to address this Global Goal in their communities.
Lindsey Kittredge, Founder and Executive Director, Shooting Touch
Shooting Touch were 2018 Beyond Sport Global Award Winners in the Sport for Health and Well-being Category. It is a global sport-for-development organization whose mission is to use the mobilizing power of basketball to bridge opportunity gaps for youth and women of color facing racial, gender and health inequities.
Words of wisdom for this year’s Shortlist: “Congrats and be sure to leverage this honor throughout your networks as best as you can, through grants and other funding sources. Be sure to collaborate with as many people within the Beyond Sport Network.”
Why is sport such a powerful tool in addressing Global 10?: “The mobilizing power of sport equalizes all the playing fields so that people from all races, genders, socioeconomic backgrounds and religious beliefs can come to a common ground, a common court or field and be one. For us, it allows us to accomplish what major governments, hospitals and schools fail at and that is bringing people together for health education and intervention. There is no greater global force than sport that accomplishes that.”
David Cohen, CEO, Doc Wayne
Doc Wayne were 2016 Beyond Sport Global Award Winners in the Sport for Health category. Doc Wayne is an award-winning non-profit reimagining therapy through the lens of sport. Its sport-based group therapy program, Chalk Talk®, supports students as they process and persevere through adversity. Over time, as individuals and in teams, youth learn to heal together, grow together and win together.
Words of wisdom for this year’s Shortlist: “Everyone considered are game changers and doing amazing work in their communities. Continue to share the importance of the work you do and why support is needed.”
Why is sport such a powerful tool in addressing Global 10?: “Sport breaks down so many barriers and stigmas, especially around discussions of mental health and complex trauma, topics that often have been uncomfortable to many.”
Kathy McAllister, Executive Director, GOALS Haiti
GOALS Haiti are multiple-time Beyond Sport Global Award Winners, notably winning the 2019 Sport for Health and Well-being Award. GOALS advances youth leadership through soccer and education to create stronger, healthier communities in rural Haiti.
Words of wisdom for this year’s Shortlist: “Congratulations to all of the shortlisted organizations and individuals. We are rooting for you and proud to be part of the same team. It is always inspiring to learn about all of the great work being done across the globe using sport as a tool for development and working towards the SDGs.”
Why is sport such a powerful tool in addressing Global 10?: “Sport brings people together and it is a natural setting to work on a common cause. The lessons we learn from sport such as teamwork, equal play, inclusion etc. are lifeskills that further healthier communities.”
Learn more about this year’s Shortlist and follow their journeys at beyondsport.org/journey