SIA 2007: Beckham Wins Outstanding Contribution Award
David Beckham has been named as the winner of the Virgin Atlantic Outstanding
Contribution to British Sport Award at the Sport Industry Awards 2007.
The former England football captain was in attendance to receive his award
from fellow football icon Thierry Henry and London 2012 chairman Lord Coe on
Thursday evening at a star-studded awards ceremony at Old Billingsgate in
central London.
On the verge of a multi-million pound transfer to US soccer team LA Galaxy
this summer, the award was due recognition of the legacy Beckham has created for
UK sport and his standing as the most prominent sport export this country has
ever produced.
Beckham becomes the first individual to take home the Outstanding
Contribution to British Sport award with previous winners including London 2012
(2006); the gold medal-winning exploits of the British Olympic movement (2005),
England Rugby (2004), and Manchester City Council’s work in staging the
Commonwealth Games (2002).
The tributes for Beckham’s achievements and his contribution to UK sport
flowed in led by the Rt. Hon British Prime Minister Tony Blair:
“In a world where celebrity comes too easily, David deserves his fame. The
phenomenal interest in his move to the United States is a reflection not just of
his talent but also of his understanding of the importance of sport as an
industry – creating wealth, jobs and driving passion around the world.
“He’s been a huge cultural icon for our country but most of all he plays
football brilliantly and whenever he wore the England shirt, he wore it with
pride.”
There were also words of praise from Beckham’s former manager at Manchester
United, Sir Alex Ferguson:
“I think it’s a wonderful achievement and well deserved. David’s been a great
credit to football since he was a boy, when he came to Manchester United at 12
years of age. I always remember the little elfin face, 5 feet nothing and then
he grew into a fantastic footballer. He is a credit to the game and credit to
Manchester United, so all I can say on behalf of everyone at Manchester United
is well done, congratulations.”
Beckham’s impact on the profile of UK sport mark him out as a worthy winner
of the Virgin Atlantic Outstanding Contribution to British Sport award,
according to Marcel Knobil, Chairperson of Creative & Commercial; Founder of
Superbrands; and a member of the Sport Industry Awards 2007 main judging panel.
“David Beckham is far more than a football player he has become a brand
ambassador for football itself. He has attracted new audiences to the sport both
in terms of geography and gender. Numerous females, Asians and Americans are now
connecting with football thanks to Beckham.
“It is no surprise that the Americans feel that brand Beckham will regenerate
soccer in the United States. Where ever he is present, whether it be Manchester
United or Real Madrid, an industry is built around the icon.”
