October 13, 2014

Photos

Day One:  https://library.espnimages.com/?c=14035&k=8db518caf8
Day Two: https://library.espnimages.com/?c=14037&k=598dffc028
Day Three: https://library.espnimages.com/?c=14038&k=f167b69c44
Sponsors: https://library.espnimages.com/?c=14039&k=2ef0106f18
Environmental: https://library.espnimages.com/?c=14040&k=69eed7c1f1

For the fifth consecutive year, espnW united the top athletes and leaders in women’s sports at its annual espnW: Women + Sports Summit presented by Toyota, October 8-10, in Dana Point, Calif. The theme of the 2014 Summit was “Making an Impact,” focusing on the influence athletes and business leaders have on the women’s sports landscape examined through open conversations, compelling presentations and expert panels.

This year’s Summit speakers included some of the most accomplished people in the sports world – International Olympic Committee member Anita DeFrantz, Equinox President Sarah Robb O’Hagan, Women’s Tennis Association CEO Stacey Allaster and LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan – as well as some of the biggest stars in women’s sports: Olympic snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler, WNBA stars Brittney Griner and Elena Delle Donne, Little League World Series sensation Mo’ne Davis, fitness expert Gabrielle Reece and U.S. Paralympian Amy Purdy.  ESPN President John Skipper, ESPN Executive Vice President and CFO Christine Driessen and espnW Vice President Laura Gentile also had featured roles.

The Summit served not only to put the spotlight on athletes and executives, but also broke news with several research studies, as well as announcing grants to further support girls and women in sports.  In addition, closing keynote speaker Maria Shriver revealed a future collaboration with ESPN Films to executive produce a 30 for 30 Short.

A complete recap of announcements made during this year’s Summit follows.

espnW Announces Sponsors for its Fifth Annual Women + Sports Summit

Today espnW announced the roster of sponsors for its fifth annual espnW: Women + Sports Summit presented by Toyota. Toyota returned as the presenting sponsor, along with returning sponsors CoverGirl, Gatorade, JBL and Under Armour. The latest blue-chip company to join the roster was EY.  Full Release

“Greening of the Summit” Sustainability Effort to Make 2014 espnW: Women + Sports Summit Carbon-Neutral for First Time

ESPN’s continued commitment to environmentally friendly initiatives was showcased by the “Greening of the Summit.”  For the first time, the Summit was designated as a carbon-neutral event.

espnW offset more than 350 tons of carbon emissions generated by air and ground travel to and from the Summit and emissions from operations during the three-day event. Full Release

The Women’s Sports Foundation and espnW Announce a National Grant to Provide Greater Access to Youth Sports for African-American and Hispanic Girls

The Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF), the leading authority on the participation of women and girls in sports, in collaboration with espnW, announced the “Sports 4 Life” grant initiative, a national effort to increase the participation and retention of African-American and Hispanic girls, ages 11-18, in developmental youth sports programs. Through education, public awareness and grants to organizations nationwide, Sports 4 Life seeks to effect sustainable improvement to the overall health and development of girls in these communities.  Full Release

Female Executives Say Participation in Sport Helps Accelerate Leadership and Career Potential

In research released by the EY Women Athletes Business Network and espnW, the majority of women executives surveyed say that a sport background can help accelerate a woman’s leadership and career potential, and has a positive influence on hiring decisions.

The research report, Making the connection: women, sport and leadership, based on a global online survey of 400 women executives, was conducted by Longitude Research across Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific, with the top five responding countries being Brazil, Canada, China, the UK and the United States. Half (49%) of those surveyed were in the C-suite, meaning that they serve on the board of directors at a company or in another C-level position, such as CEO, CFO or COO. The remaining 51% surveyed were in other management positions. Full Release

Maria Shriver to Executive Produce 30 for 30 Short in 2015 with ESPN Films

ESPN Films announced that award-winning journalist, author and philanthropist Maria Shriver will executive produce a 30 for 30 Short film with ESPN Films on the life of her mother Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of the Special Olympics. As the closing speaker of the 2014 espnW: Women + Sports Summit tomorrow, Shriver discussed with ESPN SportsCenter anchor Kevin Negandhi the upcoming production of the film, ESPN’s collaboration with the 2015 Special Olympics World Games and Shriver’s own philosophy that women and men can make an impact in all areas of human endeavor if they see themselves as “Architects of Change.”  Full Release

espnW and Toyota Announce “Everyday Heroes” at 2014 espnW: Women + Sports Summit

espnW and Toyota announced the second class of “Everyday Heroes,” an award that celebrates individuals making a difference for women and girls in their local communities through sports. Grants in the amount of $10,000 are provided to the organizations honored. Full Release

Most Parents have “Big Concern” with Quality and Behavior of Youth Coaches

A national survey of parents showing broad and often deep concern about a variety of key issues involving youth and athletics – though no issue drew more unease than the coaches who work with children – was released at the espnW: Women + Sports Summit in Dana Point, Calif.  Other concerns included concussion risks, an over-emphasis on winning and the costs of participation.  Full Release

For more on espnW and the espnW Summit, visit the espnW Media Kit.

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Contact:
Tara Chozet  [email protected]  (860) 766-2206 @TaraESPN