Beyond Sport to Create Immersive Community of Collaboration Around Sport as Driver of Social Change

SOURCE: Beyond Sport

Multi-day interactive experience – Beyond Sport House presented by SAP – to connect leading visionaries and innovators across business, sport, development, government and the media at one of the most vibrant and cutting-edge spaces in Manhattan

NEW YORK: In the days leading into the UN General Assembly (UNGA), sport for social change pioneer, Beyond Sport, today announced Beyond Sport House presented by SAP, a first-of-its-kind interactive hub for thought leaders to accelerate disruptive thinking on ways for sport to play a pivotal role in solving society’s most pressing social issues. As recent reports show the importance of focused efforts and partnership across all sectors to successfully achieve The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs or Global Goals) – such as Health & Well Being,Gender Equality, Peace & Social Justice , Climate Change and Sustainable Cities and Communities – the multi-day gathering looks to challenge, inspire and energize attendees to aid in actionable sports-based solutions to help meet the 2030 deadline.

With more than 500 global leaders and all major sport leagues - MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, NHL and the WNBA - convening, Beyond Sport House will serve as a centralized location to provide immersive conversation, diversity of thought and education for the thinkers, makers, doers and philanthropists the world over to use sport to generate global solutions. It is the latest groundbreaking initiative from Beyond Sport, following an engaging Beyond Sport UK Forum, which showcased the need to accelerate unique cross-sector collaborations and evidence sport’s ability to drive systemic change in the UK. Other events to be held in conjunction include Beyond Sport United focused on the needs of brands, teams and leagues, 10Roundtables for senior leaders to focus attention on a specific Global Goal, the renowned Beyond Sport Global Awards and Community in Action for participants to witness best practice in action in a local NY community. Attendees will be able to customize their own events and engagements to address their specific challenges.

“At Beyond Sport we are committed to providing the infrastructure and backdrop for some of the most thought provoking and engaging experiences for leaders and executives passionate about leveraging sport for purposeful outcomes,” stated Alexandra Chalat, Managing Director, Beyond Sport. “We are at a critical juncture where new ideas are necessary, or we will fall behind the vision we have for future generations. Knowing there is nothing more powerful to drive community action than sports, we believe that Beyond Sport House is primed to be the catalyst to help move things forward.” 

The activation will take place at one of NYC’s newest innovation hubs – the SAP Next Gen Lab – located on the 48^th floor at 10 Hudson Yards. From September 11 through September 13, the space will provide the opportunity for change-makers to collaborate and as a launchpad to cultivate new ideas focused on driving collective impact.  Beyond Sport House will be the next in a range of events and thought leadership workshops, taking place at the iconic venue designed by the leading software powerhouse as an open purpose-driven space for communities committed to the SDGs.

Based on interests and challenges, attendees will be able to choose from a multitude of sessions covering top social issues and more led by leading global organizations. Beyond Sport House will be a truly customizable experience, with a full range of offerings, including access to an unprecedented network of world experts, engaging conversations on how to drive impact through purpose and sport, and educational sessions and workshops on the SDGs. Packages start at $590 with non-profit and general options and registration is available online.

Proudly celebrating its 11^th year as the pinnacle of purpose-driven sports awards, the Beyond Sport Global Awards, will occur during Beyond Sport House on the evening of September 12, 2019. Hosted by LEGENDS from One World Observatory at One World Trade, the annual initiative that distributes funding to deserving organizations across the world looks to invest more than $600k to drive collective impact and recognize the world’s best in sport for social change in alignment with the Global Goals. For more details regarding the event and its newest categories, visit beyondsport.org/Awards.

ABOUT BEYOND SPORT

Founded in 2008, Beyond Sport is the leading global force for sustainable social change through sport, instilling insight, energy and impact in communities around the world. The organization does this through convening, supporting and advising the worlds of sport, business, government and development on how sport can be used as a tool to achieve both social and business objectives. Since 2009, the Beyond Sport Foundation has celebrated and raised funds and awareness for more than 300 organizations which are using sport to help make the UN SDGs a reality, providing $1.5M+ in funds and distributing $8 million+ in long-term strategic support. Beyond Sport’s global network encompasses more than 2800 organizations in more than 150 countries using sport as a catalyst for change. beyondsport.org

ABOUT SAP

As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP (NYSE: SAP) is a purpose-driven company that helps businesses of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device – SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP is committed to helping every customer become a best-run business, and is governed by a promise to innovate and help their customers run at their best. Applications and services enable more than 404,000 business and public sector customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. For more information, visit www.sap.com.