SPORT LEADERS CONVERGE AT LONDON STADIUM TO DELIVER BLACK IN SPORT SUMMIT 2023

sional boxer Richard Riakporhe joined Bobby Kasanga, CEO of Hackney Wick FC, to explain how to turn adversity into opportunity with both guests drawing upon personal challenges from earlier life.

The following panel discussion explored how to ‘advance equity in sports governance’ alongside Leon Mann (interviewer, filmmaker, and founder of the Football Black List and the Black Collective of Media in Sport (BCOMS)), Tony Burnett (CEO of Kick It Out), Lloyd Grose (member of British Cycling’s External Advisory Board), Darren Lewis (Assistant Editor at Daily Mirror), and Ama Agbeze MBE (England netball international).

Throughout the day, delegates had the opportunity to network with established sport professionals. This included the ‘Employer Challenge’ segment where individuals could speak directly with business professionals in the industry.

Broadcaster Carina White led a discussion on the importance of allies and advocacy in the sports business, while the final panel discussion of the day, with elite-level athletes Lutalo Muhammad, Imani-Lara Lansiquot, Christian Scotland-Williamson, and Alice Dearing, highlighted the impact of representation on black athletes and social justice activism in sports.

After the event BISS co-founder Ladi Ogunmekan said: “BISS 2023 was nothing short of amazing. Thank you to the incredible hosts, speakers, and delegates for contributing to what was an engaging and insightful day.

“From heartfelt stories to invaluable gems and passionate calls to action, our audience at the London Stadium received the full package. In 2022, BIS set out to celebrate black achievement in sport and inspire the next generation of sport industry leaders. Our 2023 Summit shows how far we’ve come and we’re not stopping here – keep building up the community.”

Jo Simpson, Commercial and Facilities Director for Loughborough Sport, said: “The Black in Sport Summit was a monumental day for all involved.

“The committee behind BISS demonstrated the power of the student voice to bring together established sport leaders to tackle the very real issue of discrimination against black people in the sector.

“London Stadium provided the perfect venue for galvanising a movement that has tangible benefits. The hosts, speakers, panel members, and delegates were all incredibly engaging as we collectively look to act and make a change.

“Everyone should be incredibly proud of the day, but we also understand this is just the start of something far bigger.”