News article
SailGP’s Impact League receives boost with all-star judges
An all-star cast of judges has joined SailGP to help promote the international sailing competition’s Impact League for season four.
The Impact League is SailGP’s podium for the planet, and tracks the positive actions of its teams to reduce their overall carbon footprint and promote inclusivity in sailing.
New judges include Arizona Cardinals NFL star and World Vision partner Kelvin Beachum, and former Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All, and Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, Rachel Kyte.
Additional judges include National Geographic Young Explorer Sharona Shnayder, the English Football Association’s first female Non-Executive Director and Chair of the FA inclusion advisory board, Dame Heather Rabbatts; Co-Founder of Plastic Planet, Sian Sutherland and three-time W Series motorsport champion Jamie Chadwick.
Wildlife scientist and science communicator Dr Vanessa Pirotta; Sam Sutaria, CEO of Water Bear – an interactive streaming platform dedicated to the future of the planet; Head of Sustainability for the FIFA Women’s world Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023, Dr Sheila Nguyen; and Little Sun Founder Frederik Ottesen have also joined the judging line-up.
"As a passionate climate justice activist and grassroots leader, I am excited to be a part of SailGP's Impact League."
The Impact League leaderboard will run alongside the Season Championship, and at the end of the season there are two podiums. The Impact League winner will be crowned alongside the Season Champion and will earn funding for its purpose partner.
The focus ahead of the new season is highlighted in four key areas: the race to zero waste; accelerating inclusion; innovating for a low-carbon future and driving gender equity through the Women’s Pathway.
Scoring will be adjudicated by Joshua Brunert, Global Head of ESG Product at Apex Group, SailGP’s Financial Solutions partner.
Youth climate activist Shnayder said: “As a passionate climate justice activist and grassroots leader, I am excited to be a part of SailGP’s Impact League. I look forward to judging the innovative solutions in waste reduction proposed by the teams, as they strive to lead by example in the sport.
“Together, we have the unique opportunity to show that being an athlete and a changemaker are not mutually exclusive, while also steering the course for a better future on our planet and in our communities.”
SailGP has also boosted its Impact League with a new Official Digital Transformation Partner in Cognizant, to develop an interactive Impact League dashboard. The new platform will showcase insights across sustainability initiatives and inspire fans to take their own action.
Image: Photo: Bob Martin for SailGP