The Momentum gsport Awards is proud to announce the opening of nominations for the 18th edition of Africa’s longest-running women’s sport recognition platform.
The #gsport18 awards campaign kickstarts with the opening of nominations and will culminate with the announcement of the Class of 2023 winners at the 2023 Momentum gsport Awards in Johannesburg in September 2023.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has endorsed the Momentum gsport awards since 2015. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa indicated the following: “The year 2023 continues to be a busy year for the sport sector with more than 15 international sporting events already approved to be hosted in South Africa. This affirms our conviction that sport is not only about play, fun and entertainment but it is an important contributor to the economy of the country, job creation and alleviation of poverty through international and domestic sport tourism as well as other related services. It is, therefore, no coincidence that as the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture we remain committed and in support of the Momentum gsport Awards.
“The year 2023 which is being dubbed “The Year of Women’s Sport” will be put in display during this recognition of excellence event in support of our Women athletes and teams. The event will serve to recognise all female athletes and administrators whose exceptional performance and dedication will have placed Women’s Sport at the centre of every role-player in South African Sport. I, therefore, urge all South Africans to play their part in various means made available in support of this upcoming event.”
Momentum are in their 5th year as Naming Rights Partners. Charlotte Nsubuga-Mukasa, Head of Momentum Brand said: “We understand the sponsorship gap and its role in attracting media visibility for women in sport. Our #SheOwnsHerSuccess movement celebrates athletes on the Momentum gsport Awards stage for their exceptional achievements. We can’t wait for the day when ‘equal pay equals equal play’.”
The gsport initiative has played a key role in recognising the achievements of women in sport and promoting gender equality in the industry. Kass Naidoo, Founder of gsport, said: “We are excited to open nominations for the 2023 Momentum gsport Awards and continue our mission of unearthing icons and role models of women’s sport. The Momentum gsport Awards provide a platform for women in sport to be acknowledged, to inspire the next generation of sportswomen and to foster a more inclusive sporting industry.”
Last year, swim sensation Lara van Niekerk emerged as a triple winner on the Momentum gsport awards stage. With the hosting of home World Cups taking centre stage this year, competition for the Class of 2023 will be stiff.
The public is encouraged to nominate worthy candidates to unearth new icons and role models in Africa’s longest-running women’s sport recognition platform.
To nominate a deserving candidate for the 2023 Momentum gsport Awards, visit gsport.co.za/awards.
20 CATEGORIES OPEN FOR PUBLIC NOMINATIONS
Momentum Athlete of the Year – A South African sportswoman who has excelled at an international or senior level during the Year under Review (30 June, 2022 to 30 June, 2023).
Brand SA Para Sport Star – A South African Para Athlete who breaks records and dispels myths about people living with disabilities during the Year under Review (30 June, 2022 to 30 June, 2023).
gsport Emerging Athlete of the Year – An emerging sportswoman over the age of 18, who has excelled at a national and provincial level during the Year under Review (30 June, 2022 to 30 June 2023). It honours the rising stars to inspire them to sporting greatness.
SuperSport School Sports Star of the Year – A young girl in sport 18 years or under, who has excelled athletically. She is seen as a role model to the youth and is on her way to greatness. The focus is on personal improvement alongside outstanding achievement during the Year under Review (30 June, 2022 to 30 June, 2023).
Team of the Year – A team of South African sportswomen of any age, who have excelled as a unit during the Year under Review (30 June, 2022 to 30 June, 2023).
Coach of the Year – A coach (any gender) who has made a significant impact on women’s sport during the Year under Review (30 June, 2022 to 30 June, 2023) and is actively involved in growing the careers of South Africa’s leading sportswomen.
Woman of the Year – A formidable woman who contributes significantly to the growth of sport in South Africa and leads the way in breaking boundaries and opening doors for other women.
DP WORLD African Woman in Sport – This award seeks to honour a woman, who is impacting sport in Africa, and going the extra mile to raise the profile of women’s sport on the African continent.
Global Woman in Sport – This award seeks to honour a woman, who is impacting sport globally, and going the extra mile to put women’s sport on the map internationally.
Woman in Social Media – A woman who creates powerful online content about SA women in sport and demonstrates a convincing edge using Social Media during the Year under Review (30 June, 2022 to 30 June, 2023).
Mail & Guardian Woman in Print – A woman in print who is excelling in her environment and using her position to create powerful journalist content about SA women in sport during the Year under Review (30 June, 2022 to 30 June, 2023).
Woman in PR and Sponsorship – A woman in the public relations and sponsorship space who works to build the brand and business of women’s sport during the Year under Review (30 June, 2022 to 30 June, 2023).
Woman in Radio – A woman in sport who is using her voice to promote women’s sport content on radio and demonstrates a convincing edge as a radio journalist during the Year under Review (30 June, 2022 to 30 June, 2023).
SuperSport Woman in Television – A woman who has successfully broken into the male-dominated world of sports TV and also uses her platform to create powerful content about SA women in sport during the Year under Review (30 June, 2022 to 30 June, 2023).
Style Star of the Year – A vibrant South African woman in sport who has become synonymous with a leading sense of style and elegance and serves as an inspiration to all women in sport who aspire to grow and build powerful personal brands.
Volunteer of the Year – Volunteers are the backbone of amateur sport and this long serving individual (any gender) selflessly gives their time and resources to help raise the profile of women’s sport in South Africa.
Supporter of the Year – An individual who goes out of his or her way to fuel the success of our sportswomen by pulling their weight to ensure their favourites get across the line.
Special Recognition – An individual who goes beyond the call of duty, and has made a long and positive impact on SA women in sport.
Nielsen Sports South Africa Sponsor of the Year – A commercial sponsor who has exceeded its competitors in supporting women’s sport during the Year under Review (30 June, 2022 to 30 June, 2023).
Federation of the Year – A sports federation that has made the greatest strides to grow women’s sport commercially and include women in leadership positions.