​Anita Asante, Andy Grant and Hannah Beecham to speak at London Sport Awards

London Sport are delighted to reveal the five special guest speakers who are set to inspire audiences at the London Sport Awards 2020, supported by the City of London Corporation, on Friday 6 March.

In addition to seeing the announcement of our ten Award winners, guests will hear from former Royal Marines Commando Andy Grant,  RED January founder Hannah Beecham and Chelsea footballer, and member of the London Sport Awards Judging Panel, Anita Asante.

The trio will each join  host Max Rushden on stage at the Guildhall during the London Sport Awards to share their stories of how physical activity and sport has made its mark on their lives .

The glittering Awards ceremony will begin with an opening address from the Lord Mayor of the City of London,  William Russell, and Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement.

Grant, Beecham and Asante will then take to the stage throughout the evening as part of the biggest celebration of grassroots physical activity and sport in the capital.

London Sport Event Manager, Rachel Rowe, said:

“The London Sport Awards is all about celebrating the phenomenal impact of physical activity and sport in the capital and, in different ways, each of our five guest speakers has used sport to make their mark across the world.

“We’re so excited to hear their stories and offer everyone attending the Awards a truly memorable experience.”

The final remaining tickets for the London Sport Awards, supported by the City of London Corporation, are on sale now. Act now to avoid disappoint. Tickets available here.

Who is speaking at the London Sport Awards?

Anita Asante

Anita is a professional footballer for Chelsea, and a former England and Team GB international. Born in London in 1985 and of Ghanaian descent, Anita began her career with Arsenal before playing for Chelsea, and a range of clubs in the United States and Sweden, before re-joining Chelsea in 2017. Anita studies politics and English at Brunel University and, while in America, began a Ph.D. into the governorship of women’s football.

Hannah Beecham

Hannah Beecham is the Founder of RED January, a campaign designed to help people manage their mental health by getting active every day in January and raise funds for Mind. Hannah was inspired to start RED January after witnessing the transformative effects that regular physical activity had on her mother’s experiences with depression. In the four years since RED January began, over 150,000 people across the UK have taken part, raising over £2.4m for Mind. Hannah is experienced in engaging and empowering people to take action, having previously worked in advertising and marketing in the film and creative industries.

Andy Grant

At such a young age, Andy has been through more than most people do in their lifetime. From losing his mother aged 12, to joining the Royal Marines, to active service in Iraq and Afghanistan, to being injured by an IED, medically discharged and facing life as an amputee. Despite this, Andy recently won two Gold Medals in 400m and 1,500m Men's Ambulant IT1 at the Invictus Games.

William Russell: Lord Mayor of the City of London 2019-20

William Russell has over 30 years’ experience in finance and business including holding senior positions in the national and international banking sector. He is Chair of CDAM, a London based Asset Management business, and Senior Advisor to STJ Advisors. William was elected as Alderman for the Ward of Bread Street in 2013 and served as Sheriff of the City of London in 2016-17.

Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement

Debbie Weekes-Bernard became Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement in November 2018. She leads the promotion of equalities and active citizenship across London and makes sure City Hall actively seeks to tackle poverty for Londoners across all groups. Debbie, who has a PhD in psychology and sociology, joined the mayoral team from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. 

The final remaining tickets for the London Sport Awards, supported by the City of London Corporation, are on sale now. Act now to avoid disappoint. Tickets available here.