Inaugural TV Sports Awards to be held as part of SPORTEL Monaco

The first-ever TV Sports Awards will take place as part of SPORTEL Monaco ©Play for Change

The first-ever TV Sports Awards, held in support of children’s charity Play for Change, will be staged at the SPORTEL conference in Monaco on October 12, it has been announced.

The inaugural ceremony of the awards, which recognise excellence within the sports media industry, will be staged at the Yacht Club de Monaco and will be sponsored by Eurosport.

Prizes will be given out in five categories - Best Sports Broadcaster, Best Live Event Coverage, Best Digital Project, Best TV Rights Deal and Media Executive of the Year - and will be voted on by those who attend the SPORTEL conference.

As well as the awards in the television sector, Play for Change will also hand out a special prize to a top-class athlete who they feel contributes most to helping vulnerable children through sports.

The athlete will have demonstrated their willingness to aid some of the world’s youngsters through supporting, funding and advocating worthy campaigns, initiatives and projects.

An independent committee, formed of members of sports media partners of the event in Monaco, which concludes on October 15, will shortlist three nominations for each category.

The ceremony itself is set to be attended by several sporting legends as well as high-profile guests from the various industries which will be represented at the conference.

SPORTEL is often attended by sporting legends with Mike Tyson one of those to appear at the 2014 event ©SPORTEL

“Play for Change are thrilled to be working with SPORTEL who are not only committed to honouring excellence in the sporting world, but also to promoting sport’s ability to contribute to positive change in society,” Play for Change director Marie Le Page said.

“These awards compliment the SPORTEL convention perfectly by showcasing, and celebrating the very best of the sports media industry in the past year.

“The inaugural nominees include some of the most influential executives, broadcasters, networks, international sports federations, distributors and right owners in the industry.”

“Together we can leave a legacy to those who need it the most, whilst strengthening our international voice and mission to transforming the lives of vulnerable children through sports and education.”

SPORTEL conventions are considered the most important for sports business people and allow for some of the industry’s most important figureheads to network and discuss business plans.

In 2014, SPORTELMonaco featured 2,613 participants representing 961 companies from 78 countries.

insidethegames is an official media partner for the event.