WOA and EY to Honour Women in Sport at Olympians Reunion Centre in Rio

On 10 August 2016, the World Olympians Association (WOA) and EY will host a special celebration honouring some of the world’s most accomplished women in sport at the Rio 2016 Olympians Reunion Centre by EY, it was announced today at SportAccord. As part of a busy schedule of events delivered by the WOA, the gathering will pay tribute to the impact the Olympic Movement has had on empowering women and championing equality.

The WOA has joined forces with EY to host the 2016 edition of the Olympians Reunion Centre, a destination hub for Olympians of all ages to gather in the heart of the Olympic action in Rio. The multi-purpose space situated at the iconic Club de Regatas do Flamengo on the shores of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas will offer Olympians a unique Rio experience, while a packed programme of Olympic Family events will ensure a vibrant atmosphere throughout the Games.

The EY Women. Fast forward Olympic Gala Evening on 10 August will be one of the highlights of the Olympians Reunion Centre events calendar. The EY Women Athletes Business Network, an initiative aimed at highlighting the connection between sport and leadership for women, will use the event to draw attention to the advancement of women around the world.

Bringing together Olympians, senior members of the International Olympic Committee and prominent female business leaders, the high profile event will showcase the achievements of leading sportswomen and the power of sport to unlock the potential of women everywhere.

WOA President, Joël Bouzou, said:

"We are thrilled to announce the first in our exciting line-up of events for the Olympians Reunion Centre by EY at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The Women Athletes Business Network Gala, honouring the success of women in sport, promises to be a wonderful occasion and one the WOA is excited to support.

"Sport has the power to break down divisions and promote diversity at all levels and the fight for gender equality is one area where sport has made great strides. While there is still more to be done it is clear that by championing our female sports leaders and role models we are setting an example for future generations to follow."

Beth Brooke-Marciniak, Global Vice-Chair of Public Policy for EY and a prominent advocate of diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace, said:

"Sport is one of the key ways through which the potential of women all over the world has been unlocked and the Olympic Movement in particular has led the way for women to advance, compete and win, which is why we are delighted to be working with the World Olympians Association on this event and through our sponsorship of the Olympians Reunion Centre.

"Sport empowers women; it offers a platform where they can embrace success and acts as a springboard for women who choose to pursue leadership roles within society. The confidence sport instils from an early age is hugely beneficial to women everywhere."

Two-time Olympic gold medallist and broadcaster Donna de Varona, who is the lead advisor to EY’s Women Athletes Business Network and a long standing member of the IOC women and sport commission said.

"Sport is a great leveller, especially for women. All athletes regardless of gender get where they are because of hard work, focus, drive, and dedication. Sport provides the tools necessary for girls and women to learn how to survive and thrive in the competitive world in which we live. The Women Athletes Business Network harnesses that knowledge and experience to help female athletes transition to the work place.

"To be able to stage our gala event at the iconic Olympians Reunion Centre by EY in Rio, surrounded by our family of Olympians that inspire us every day, is simply fantastic and we would like to thank the World Olympians Association for its ongoing support."

For more information, contact:

Rob Fawdon – VERO Communications

rfawdon@verocom.co.uk

+44 7769 216649

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