Jun Yamaguchi Sport Award (JYSA)

The Award kicked off with an event on 28 September 2018 at Deloitte’s new London office at 1 New Street Square, where three extraordinary individuals from rowing, swimming and tennis were chosen as award winners, with the funds provided by a cohort of Tax (GES) partners. Huge congratulations go to:

Ellen Buttrick, of British Para-Rowing, who took the Gold Award of £20,000

Dermot Bailey, of Wheelchair Tennis, who took the Silver Award of £15,000

Grace Harvey, of British Para-Swimming, who took the Bronze Award of £10,000

We heard moving and inspiring stories from each of the athletes, who have overcome great challenges to get to where they are today. A panel composed of members of Jun’s family, Deloitte colleagues, and sporting professionals made the very difficult decision to assign the prize order. In the end, Ellen’s commitment to community work, volunteering with schoolchildren and refugees, helped to give her a photo finish top prize.

Deloitte’s Senior Partner and Chief Executive Deloitte NWE LLP David Sproul commented on the powerful nature of the athletes’ stories, and how the Award is a fitting legacy to Jun’s memory.

As a true people champion, Jun would have loved speaking with the athletes and supporting their efforts and achievements.

Jun was a talented trainee footballer at Crystal Palace Football Club as a young man and had hoped to make it as a professional in England. While he did not realise this ambition, he continued to follow and participate in sport throughout his business career and in his private life.

He was immensely proud when Japan, the country of his birth, won the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games for Tokyo, and spent much of his final professional years arming Japan with key insights and expertise from the London 2012 Games, which he had attended as a Deloitte partner.

Deloitte has a long history of support for disability sport and successful association with both the British Paralympic Association and the British Olympic Association. The firm will now be working with the three sporting bodies involved to scope out support opportunities as we move towards Tokyo 2020.

Jun’s widow Yuka, one of the Award panellists, commented: “I was delighted and honoured to be part of the event to support the nominated athletes who showed such passion and dedication. The award is a wonderful way to remember and celebrate my late husband Jun’s lifelong passion for sport.”

Please contact Craig Muir (UK and North West Europe Leader of Global Employer Services), Traian Ivanov or Nick Basannavar if you would like more information on the JYSA.