As sport resumes in full fashion around the world, the AIPS Sport Media Awards continue to inspire journalists, producers and photographers from around the world.
These are five subjects that will probably be on their agendas this week…
1) Messi AWOL
The characters: Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona.
The divorce promises to bring many more stories and more added characters, as La Liga now joined forces with Barcelona by claiming that Messi can’t leave on a free transfer, while the Argentinian will not turn up for training.
The questions: Will Messi give his first interview to explain why he wants to leave? Who will capitulate first? What will the Barcelona players say? How can a club like Barcelona be in such a tight financial situation? Is the release clause valid or not? Can an outsider top club join the chase that is currently led by Manchester City?
Topic ideal for: Writing Best Column; Audio (Podcast); Video Documentary, Athlete Profile, Short Feature Video.
2) The NBA bubble
The characters: Luka Doncic’s amazing performances came to an end in a controversial game against Los Angeles Clippers, with a stunning Kawhi Leonard. LeBron James continues his run with the Lakers and his personal battle to produce a change in systemic racism.
The situation: Western Conference: Lakers to meet either Houston or Oklahoma (3-2) in the semi-final 1. Clippers to meet either Denver or Utah (3-3) in the semi-final 2. Eastern Conference: Milwaukee-Miami Heat, semi-final 1; Boston Celtics-Toronto Raptors (1-0), semi-final 2.
Topic ideal for: Photography Sport Action, Photography Portfolio; Writing Best Column, Writing Best Colour Piece; Video Short Feature, Video Documentary, Video Athlete Profile; Audio; Young Reporters (Writing, Photography, Broadcasting).
3) Tour de France
The characters: Norway’s Alexander Kristoff set off in the yellow jersey after winning stage one, while Julian Alaphilippe came out victorious in the second stage. What will happen next? The riders prepare for a week full of Provence, dramatic altitude changes in the Alps and, once in the Rhone Valley, it will be time for sprinting.
Topic ideal for: Photography Sport Action; Photography Portfolio. Writing Best Colour Piece. Video Short Feature. Young Reporters (Photography, Writing, Broadcasting)
4) US Open
The characters: Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams (present), Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer (absent),. With many missing top players due to the pandemic, it will a strange tournament, without fans and with players automatically withdrawn if they test positive for covid-19 or if any of their team members (trainers, coaches) tests positive.
The novelty: There will be recorded sounds from previous editions to emulate the fans’ reactions.
The controversy: Djokovic announced the creation of the Professional Tennis Players Association. Nadal and Federer, as well as Andy Murray and Dominic Thiem, are against it, backing the ATP authorities. “It is time to unite, not to divide,” said Nadal.
Topic ideal for: Photography Sport Action; Photography Portfolio. Writing Best Column; Writing Best Colour Piece. Video Ahtlete Profile; Short Feature Video. Young Reporters (Photography, Writing, Broadcasting)
5) Formula 1 – Italian GP
The characters: Sebastian Vettel, Charles LeClerc. In a disastrous season, Ferrari prepares for a difficult weekend in Monza.
The situation: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) leads the standings with 157 points, followed by Max Verstappen (Red Bull, 110) and Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes, 107).
Topic ideal for: Photography Sport Action; Photography Portfolio. Writing Best Column; Writing Best Colour Piece. Audio. Short Feature Video. Young Reporters (Writing).
About the Awards: This is currently the third edition of the AIPS Sport Media Awards, the one and only international prize for sports journalism, with free entry, two submissions per person and US$ 8,000, US$ 3,000 and US$ 2,000 for the winners of each of the 8 main categories. Stories must have been published/broadcast between October 8, 2019, and October 7, 2020. To register and submit your work, visit www.aipsawards.com.
