Loughborough University: Sky pledges support to the Black In Sport Summit
Sky, Europe’s leading media and entertainment company, has pledged its support to the ground-breaking initiative led by a group of Loughborough University students, the Black In Sport Summit (BISS). The partnership forms part of Sky’s £30 million commitment towards tackling systemic racism.
As part of the agreement, Sky will sponsor the 2023 Black In Sport Summit, to be held at the iconic London Stadium in Stratford – home of West Ham United Football Club and the host venue for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Now in its second year, the 2023 event will be hosted by Sky Sports News presenter Mike Wedderburn alongside freelance sports presenter Anita Abayomi. Taking place on Saturday 25 March 2023, it will feature a high-profile line up of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with current and future professionals in from the sports industry.
Sky Sports will also offer work placements to Summit attendees participating in the BISS ‘Employer Challenge’ initiative.
Co-Founders Ladi Ogunmekan, Samuel Ola, and Emmanuel Shittu launched BISS in 2022, in partnership with the University and Loughborough Sport, to celebrate the achievements of black people across the sports industry.
The movement was also borne out of a desire to change the narrative in sport and to tackle discrimination and underrepresentation of black people in the sector. With the themes for 2023 – “Excellence, Leverage, and Influence”, BISS continues to build a community of current and aspiring professionals in the sector and promotes the idea that a career in sport is available to everyone.
“The progression of BISS from what it was last year to what it’s becoming this year is phenomenal,” said Ladi Ogunmekan.
“It’s now about focusing on progression and the best solutions to the issues that BISS aims to address. BISS is open to people from all backgrounds and I’m really looking forward to welcoming everyone at this year’s event geared towards students.
“It’s incredible to have the backing of Sky and I’m excited to be working with the broadcasting giant to prepare strategies for us to make a meaningful impact in the industry for students and other aspiring professionals. Hopefully we can create something with an impact that transcends Loughborough. See you there!”
Mike Wedderburn, Sky Sports News presenter, added:
“I am honoured to co-host the Black in Sport Summit 2023 in association with Sky. I was approached in 2021 to get involved in the first summit and I jumped at the chance to play my part in making a difference to young black people wanting to break into the sport industry.
“Last year’s event was a huge success, so much so that Sky was desperate to be involved again. Led by the student organisers, the aim is to show that sport can be a welcoming, fulfilling, and safe place for black people.
“We do this by providing high calibre contributors from all walks of sporting life. Elite sportsmen and women, written and broadcast journalists, Chief Execs, agents and many, many more share their experiences, expertise and tips to help young people on their way. This event is important and on its way to being an unmissable part of the sporting calendar.”
Professor Nick Jennings, Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University, said:
“We’re thrilled that the student-led Black in Sport Summit is continuing to grow in scale and impact. The team behind the initiative have demonstrated incredible dedication and desire to raise awareness of the issues facing Black people in the sport industry.
“To have the backing of Sky Sports is testament to this hard work and as a university we’re extremely grateful for their support. BISS – and the values it represents – align well with our University’s values and our emphasis on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. I am looking forward to what will be another impactful event.”