Meyer: Sport Needs To Do More In Communities

Speaking exclusively to Sportindustry.biz’s sibling website in South Africa, Elana Meyer, Olympic Silver Medallist and CEO of the JAG Foundation, has emphasised that sport is still not doing enough to engage with communities.

In an interview with Sportindustry.co.za, Meyer stated that, despite this summer’s World Cup highlighting the social impact that sport can achieve, there is still room for improvement in addressing communities.

‘Not enough is currently being done. I believe sport can make a huge difference on many levels from fitness to uplifting spirit and moral and every community should have those opportunities through engaging in sport.

‘The professional players and athletes have got a great platform for influence and could certainly be utilised more to encourage participation.’

Meyer was speaking as she was unveiled as the latest member of the Judging Panel for the Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards – a role in which she will be responsible for helping to choose the inaugural Awards’ winners.

Presented in front of a star-studded audience of all the key stakeholders in South African sport, the Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards will recognise and reward the best the South African sport business has to offer in categories covering marketing, PR, sponsorship, media, advertising and design.

The City of Ekurhuleni will stage the inaugural Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards which will take place on February 17th, 2011 and will be hosted by Emperors Palace.

The annual Awards ceremony will see the country’s top-performing sport brands and organisations receive recognition for their work at a glamorous black-tie event in what has become the most visible and sought-after endorsement of commercial achievement in sport.

To learn more about the Virgin Active Sport Industry Awards and to read the full interview with Elana Meyer, visit www.sportindustry.co.za.