Presented by The Huddle: A Sport Leadership Institute

40th Anniversary Reception and Hall of Fame Induction Honoring Dr. Richard Lapchick

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Homecoming: Celebrating 40 years of the Power of Sport!

For 40 years, the Institute for Sport and Social Justice has harnessed the unifying power of sport to confront injustice, elevate voices, and inspire generations of leaders to build a more just and equitable world. Founded in 1985 by human rights activist Dr. Richard Lapchick, the Institute was born from a belief that sport can—and must—play a role in the pursuit of social justice. Through education, empowerment, and community building, the Institute has grown into a national leader in the sport for social change space, mobilizing athletes, administrators, and allies alike. To honor this milestone, we’re hosting an unforgettable reception in the city where our journey began: Boston, MA. 
 

Event Information

Join us on Tuesday, October 14 in Boston, Massachusetts where the Institute began!

Our Homecoming reception will highlight the Institute’s legacy, spark timely conversations on sport and social justice, and inspire our next chapter. The evening will feature:

  • A festive reception
  • A powerful conversation with Dr. Richard Lapchick and sport and social justice luminaries on the past, present, and future of sport as a catalyst for equity
  • The 2025 Power of Sport Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, honoring Dr. Lapchick for a lifetime of impact 
  • Tributes to the leaders and allies who helped shape our movement
  • Opportunities to invest in the future of the Institute’s mission

Attire: Wear your cocktail attire with your favorite sneakers! We are also asking everyone to bring a pair of sneakers to donate.

The Power of Sport Gala Though the Years

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2024 Power of Sport recipient and basketball legend, Maya Moore Irons

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Commissioner of NASCAR, Steve Phelps, receives the 2024 Power of Sport Award

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Paralympian Dr. Cheri Blauwet accepting a posthumous Power of Sport award on behalf of her husband, Eli A. Wolff, a fierce and powerful disability sport advocate.

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2001 DeVos Community Enrichment Award recipient, Grant Hill, inducted Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, into the Institute's Hall of Fame at the 2018 Power of Sport Gala (formerly the Giant Steps Awards).

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Emcee (and eventual 2023 Power of Sport honoree), Jemele Hill inducted television broadcaster Robin Roberts into the Institute's Hall of Fame at the 2017 Power of Sport Gala (formerly the Giant Steps Awards).

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Honoring a Visionary: Dr. Richard Lapchick

2025 Power of Sport Hall of Fame Inductee

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Founder, Institute for Sport and Social Justice
Human Rights Activist. Global Leader. Pioneer for Justice.

Learn More about Dr. Lapchick's Legacy & Impact

About the Institute for Sport and Social Justice

At the Institute, we equip and embolden athletes and sport leaders to create a safer, more inclusive world. We offer unparalleled leadership programs, created by athletes for athletes, and cultivate candid conversations that drive individuals to change themselves, change their teams, and change the world. 

For nearly 40 years we’ve developed innovative solutions to challenges facing sport teams and set the standard for effective, evidence-based programs, equipping more than 69,000 athletes and sport professionals to enact positive social change.

Our new strategic vision is a leadership platform poised to inspire sport leadership at all levels.

  • Change Me: We believe impact starts at the individual level. We educate and empower individuals to realize how they can make a positive difference.

  • Change Us: We aim to build a movement of individuals who take what they have learned and inspire their local communities. 

  • Change the World: Global change is most impactful when it grows from community to community. The movement we envision will emanate from individual and community-based action and ultimately change the world.

Our work is fueled by support from generous community partners, organizations and individuals who share our belief in the power of sport to change the world. 

The Institute for Sport & Social Justice is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 47-5127394. 

 

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How We Do It

A Brief Look at Institute Partnerships and Programs

We provide transformational, evidence-based education and leadership programs that spark awareness, build critical skills, and drive meaningful change.

Our core content areas include:

  • Gender-Based Violence Prevention
  • Leadership Development
  • Creating Championship Cultures
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)

We have set the national standard for effective programming in these areas—delivering sessions that are interactive, trauma-informed, and grounded in real-world application.

NCAA Student Athlete Leadership Forum

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The Institute Partnership with the NCAA

Student-Athlete Leadership Day Super Bowl LVIII 2024

Leadership Training with Arizona Diamondbacks Staff

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FLAG!: Future Leaders, Active Girls Program in Brazil