To recognize those who make athletics happen in their communities, Univision Communications, as part of its inaugural sports awards show, is initiating a nationwide search for nominations for these every day stars.
The U.S. Spanish-language media leader is encouraging nominations for its “For the Love of the Game” award honoring those who deploy the power of sports to serve their communities and enhance lives. The search is part of the recently announced Premios Univision Deportes (Univision Sports Awards), which will be simulcast on broadcast network UniMás and cable channel Univision Deportes Network on Dec. 18 at 9 p.m. (ET).
Univision's two-hour presentation will celebrate sports figures for their accomplishments on and off the field across multiple sports, including soccer, basketball, baseball, football, boxing and auto racing.
The winner of the search will receive the “For the Love of the Game” award, comprising a $25,000 cash prize and an all-expense paid trip to attend the Premios Univision Deportes Gala in Miami, where the winner will spend the evening with some of the world’s most renowned athletes.
“Beyond paying tribute to the athletes and sports professionals that our fans admire for their performance on the field, we are committed to having a direct impact on our community and recognizing community heroes who contribute to it and make a difference,” said Juan Carlos Rodríguez, president of Univision Deportes, the sports division of Univision Communications. “With this recognition and award, we aim to continue encouraging commitment to serve our community.”
Nominations can be sent via email to premiosdeportes@tv.univison.com with a video or essay describing the candidate’s work to improve their community through sports. Nominations must be received by Sunday, Nov. 23 and will be reviewed by the Premios Univision Deportes sports committee. More details and complete rules and instructions to participate can be found at univisiondeportes.com.
Finalists will be announced Sunday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. on República Deportiva on the Univision Network, and simulcast on UDN.
The award show will be a formal gala and include musical performances by top Latin artists, preceded by a one-hour, red carpet pre-show to air on UDN. Awards will be presented by sports figures and Univision talent.
All told, the media company's game plan for Premios Univision Deportes is to select 25 winners for their passion and excellence in sports and their connection to Hispanic American sports fans. In addition to "For Love of the Game," special categories also will include a lifetime achievement and humanitarian awards.
Awards will be presented both by fan selection and voting as well as by a diverse committee of leaders in the sports space, including executives, journalists, broadcasters, and retired world class athletes.
