“Sport teaches what we make it teach. It is a wonderful, glorious, powerful, penetrative empty vessel. And when we fill it with things that are ethical, evidence based, kind, empathetic – then it can do remarkable things.”
These were the rousing words of the 2023 Integrity and Impact Award in association with InsightX winner, John Amaechi OBE, at last week’s FEVO Sport Industry Awards.
The award recognises individuals or organisations that have demonstrated through their actions exemplary levels of ethics, integrity and trust in sport to help set global standards for best practice in sport governance and business.
The impact of the former NBA player’s work educating the sport industry about discrimination in society, his efforts to encourage athletes to use their voice for good, was what was ultimately recognised by the judging panel.
John first picked up a basketball aged 17, and in a meteoric rise, he was playing in the NBA just six years later, racking up a total of 301 games for the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic and the Utah Jazz. After he retired, in 2007 he became the first former NBA player to publicly come out as gay.
Now an organisational psychologist and best-selling author, speaker and social activist, John uses his self-built platform and personal experiences to promote equality, inclusion and diversity. He frequently holds the sport industry to account and his groundbreaking book, Man in the Middle, revealed the struggles many athletes face – especially those from marginalised communities – when it comes to being true to themselves. His work has inspired many athletes to become agents of change in their own communities.
The award – which incidentally John presented back in 2018 to the former gymnast Rachael Denhollander – was decided upon following many hours of debate and deliberation by the Sport Industry Awards judging panel.
Justin Williams, COO of award sponsor InsightX, said, “We are proud to sponsor this award and delighted that the judges chose to use it this year to recognise John Amaechi. His tireless work to promote tolerance, acceptance and diversity is the hallmark of a man of the highest integrity and decency. I cannot imagine a more deserving recipient.”
InsightX CEO Sophie Elsworthy added, “I was delighted to see John Amaechi pick up the Integrity and Impact Award at this year’s Sport Industry Awards. John epitomises what it means to act with integrity and his far-reaching impact continues to be felt around the world. A very worthy recipient.”
