Video: The #fevoxsia Judges’ Awards Speeches
Gareth Bale won the Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award at this year’s FEVO Sport Industry Awards on Thursday 27th April in front of an audience consisting of 1,600 sporting stars and industry executives at a sold-out Evolution London.
The Welshman, who recently announced his retirement from professional football, was recognised for his incredible achievements during a truly special career within the male professional game, which has seen him lift five Champions League trophies with Real Madrid, and help Wales to reach semi finals of UEFA Euro 2016 and to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since since 1958.
On receiving the award, Bale, who was introduced by former Wales national team captain Ashley Williams, said, “During my career it was difficult to look back and see what you’ve achieved but now, having spent a bit of time away from it, and reflecting, it’s nice to look back with good memories and see what you’ve done and know that you’ve made a positive impact on football and Wales itself.”
Bale was one of the three winners of the Judges’ Awards, which recognise individuals and organisations within sport who have contributed at the highest level through personal and professional achievements.
Baroness Sue Campbell, Head of Women’s Football at the FA, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Olympian Dame Denise Lewis and Lioness Jill Scott MBE for a 50-year career that has seen her work tirelessly to develop sports in the United Kingdom and to break down barriers and increase opportunities for female athletes at all levels of the game.
On receiving the award, Campbell said, “I think you heard my emotion when I got up on stage. I care so deeply about sport and it means so much that other people have recognised the journey that I’ve been on and the battles I’ve fought and maybe some of the victories that I’ve managed to achieve.”
The final Judges’ Award recipient saw John Amaechi OBE receive the Integrity & Impact Award in association with InsightX as recognition of his impact in educating the sport industry about discrimination in society and for his efforts to encourage athletes to use their voice for good.
“I’ve presented this award and it never occured to me that I’d be in contention to win it,” said John Amaechi OBE on receiving the Award. “I was an average NBA player, so I’m unlikely to pick up sporting awards that are related to actually being good at sport. So it’s quite nice to pick up an award that sits in the sweet spot of my values, principles and ethics,” Amaechi added.
