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From Track to Triumph: Ex-Professional Runner Lauren Fleshman’s Good For A Girl Wins Best Sports Book of 2023
- Lauren Fleshman is crowned the William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2023, taking home a £30,000 cash prize
- In the Award’s 35-year history, Good For A Girl marks the first women’s memoir to receive the prize
Lauren Fleshman’s book, Good for a Girl: My Life Running in a Man’s World has been crowned the 2023 winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award, picking up a prize of £30,000 at an official ceremony today (30 November), at BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly, in London.
The announcement makes history as it is the first book about women in sport, authored by a woman, to receive the world’s most prestigious sports writing prize.
The US champion’s part memoir, part manifesto documents Fleshman’s story of falling in love with running as a girl, battling devastating injuries and self-doubt, and daring to fight for a better way for female athletes. Drawing not only on her own story, but also on emerging research on the physiology and psychology of young athletes, Fleshman gives voice to the often-silent experience of the female athlete and argues that the time has come to rebuild our systems of competitive sport to allow women to perform at their best.
A panel of independent judges from the world of sports and journalism, chaired by author and journalist, Alyson Rudd, undertook a rigorous judging process, reviewing more than 150 entries down to the winning book.
The Judges praised Good for a Girl for its “heartfelt narrative” and “compelling writing”, as well as its crucial advocacy for reform in sports for young women. Renowned sports broadcaster, Matt Williams, declared Fleshman’s book “not just one of the best sports books that I’ve read this year, but one of the best books full stop.”
Receiving the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award trophy and a £30,000 cash prize today, Lauren Fleshman said: “Having a woman being elevated for telling her own story is rare, and we need a lot more of that. That’s why awards like this are so important. I came here optimistic, but then convinced myself I had no chance when I looked at the shortlist.
“I am delighted to be the winner of this prestigious award. I hope it makes sport better for the future of women and girls.”
Alyson Rudd, Chair of the Judging Panel for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award, said: “We had such an exceptionally high-quality shortlist this year, and selecting a winner was no small feat. For the first time, women’s books dominated, showing that more women are being commissioned to tell their stories, with many bravely tackling challenges within the sporting world.
“Good for a Girl is not only a must-read book on the challenges that women face in sport but a moving and informative memoir that will grip those who are not athletics fans. Lauren Fleshman exposes and shatters myths with disarming honesty and exceptional writing – it is a wonderful read and thoroughly deserving of the title William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2023.”
The New York Times Bestseller, and now William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award winner, highlights the challenges women face in competitive running, exposing the flaws in the sports structure that is failing young women as much as empowering them. Through her drive for change, Fleshman confronts the misogynistic origins of sports, and even her sponsors, and addresses the concerning decline in girl’s participation once they hit puberty. The narrative also explores the struggles faced by female collegiate athletes, such as injuries, eating disorders and mental health issues.
The five authors on the shortlist, alongside Lauren Fleshman, receive £3,000 and a leather-bound copy of their book. They are:
- Althea: The Life of Tennis Champion Althea Gibson by Sally H. Jacobs
- Concussed: Sport’s Uncomfortable Truth by Sam Peters
- Kick The Latch by Kathryn Scanlan
- Unbreakable by Ronnie O’Sullivan
- Unfair Play: The Battle for Women’s Sport by Sharron Davies with Craig Lord
Having secured the 35th winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award, Lauren Fleshman joins an impressive list of previous winners, including last year’s champion Jeremy Wilson. For the second consecutive year, a book centred on women’s sports clinches the award. Fleshman becomes the third woman to be awarded the prestigious prize joining former winners Anna Krien and Laura Hillenbrand.
The William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award first took place in 1989 and is now the longest-established competition in the industry. It is dedicated to rewarding excellence in sports writing and is the world’s most prestigious award in the sector.
Entry to the 36th William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award is now open. For more information about the Award and to enter, please visit: https://news.williamhill.com/sport/sports-book-of-the-year/
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BMM INNOVATION GROUP TO SHOWCASE ITS WORLD-LEADING TESTING SERVICES FOR BRAZIL’S FAST-GROWING GAMING MARKET AT BIS SIGMA AMERICAS SUMMIT APRIL 7–10
Company to share expert insights and highlight its fast-track product certification and lottery support at São Paulo, Brazil show
BMM Innovation Group (“BMM,” “BIG Group,” or “BIG”), a technology conglomerate focused on product compliance testing, cybersecurity solutions, and virtual training for the global gaming industry, will exhibit at BiS SiGMA Americas April 7-10 at the Transamerica Expo Center in São Paulo, Brazil in Stand No. F133.
As Brazil’s gaming landscape undergoes a significant transformation under new federal regulations, BMM is heavily partnered with operators, suppliers, and regulators through this transition. With its three expert divisions – BMM Testlabs, BIG Cyber, and RG24seven Virtual Training – the BIG Group brings unmatched expertise in product testing, cybersecurity, and responsible gaming education, all vital for success in the dynamic Brazilian market.
At the show, BMM will highlight its fast-track product testing and certification process, developed specifically to address Brazil’s recertification requirements for B2B and B2C operators. This streamlined service ensures that gaming companies meet all regulatory standards while maintaining their operating licenses with minimal disruption.
BMM Testlabs’ Marzia Turrini, President of iGaming & Cybersecurity, said, “BMM is committed to guiding customers through the certification process with speed, precision, and expert support. Our goal is to reduce regulatory risks and accelerate time to market in Brazil’s evolving regulatory environment.”
At BiS SiGMA, BMM will highlight its support for Brazil’s expanding state lottery market, working closely with operators to support multi-jurisdictional entry and growth. BMM’s lottery and iLottery testing services help ensure full compliance while enabling faster, broader market access.
Visitors to BMM Innovation Group’s stand at BiS SiGMA Americas will gain insights into the Company’s full suite of services for cybersecurity and defense, as well as responsible gaming, including:
- Vulnerability assessments, penetration tests, PCI:DSS evaluations, and a suite of managed security services featuring CYREBRO’s Security Operations Center, KnowBe4’s security awareness training, and Maxxsure’s risk management platform.
- RG24seven Virtual Training, offering expert-led education on responsible gaming, anti-money laundering, and many other important topics, available in Portuguese, Spanish, and English for gaming professionals worldwide.
Turrini added, “BMM is more than just a test lab. We are a long-term strategic partner, helping shape a secure, responsible, and compliant gaming industry in Brazil and globally.”
BMM invites all BiS SiGMA attendees to stop by Stand No. F133 and discover how the Company drives innovation, reliability, and trust across Brazil’s regulated gaming industry. For more information on BMM’s Brazil support, visit the BMM Brazil Hub at brazil.bmm.com/.
The post BMM INNOVATION GROUP TO SHOWCASE ITS WORLD-LEADING TESTING SERVICES FOR BRAZIL’S FAST-GROWING GAMING MARKET AT BIS SIGMA AMERICAS SUMMIT APRIL 7–10 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
George McGregor, Bacta’s Executive Director – Government Relations, has announced that he is moving on from the UK trade association at the end of June.
His departure following the Bacta AGM marks the conclusion of a 21-year association with the trade body.
He was an external adviser to Bacta in his role as Managing Director of the public affairs consultancy Interel (now DGA) and has served as Bacta Executive Director since January 2024.
George McGregor, confirmed: “In August this year I turn 60 and my intention is to shift gear in my career, moving from a full-on role to project and advisory work.
“I am incredibly proud of my work with Bacta over the years in helping it achieve tangible benefits for members.
“Between now and my departure there is still a lot to do. We need to finalise our response to the Gambling Minister on stakes and prizes, conclude our submission to the Gambling Commission’s review of gaming machine technical standards and push hard to see the delivery of the long overdue Gambling White Paper reforms”.
John Bollom, Bacta President, added: “We are very sad to see George moving-on but we understand his reasons and wish him well in the future. George is smart, determined and personable. He will leave big boots to fill.”
The post Bacta’s George McGregor to step down appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced a new operator partnership in South Africa with Hollywoodbets.
The legendary games studio went live in South Africa in 2024, and this newly announced partnership will see classic Play’n GO titles such as Fire Joker, Rise of Olympus 100 and Boat Bonanza now available to Hollywoodbets players in South Africa.
Play’n GO enjoyed a landmark year in 2024, expanding its reach globally, and recently announced the launch of two brand new slots mechanics, Blitzways™ and Crashback™.
Stuart Trigwell, Director of Business Development at Play’n GO, commented “South Africa is a market of increasing significance in iGaming globally, and we’re very pleased to have gained such a strong foothold in the country with this partnership.
“The Hollywoodbets brand is synonymous with iGaming in South Africa, and this partnership reflects the commitment of both Play’n GO and Hollywoodbets to deliver the best casino gaming experience possible to players in the region. We’re excited for the opportunities that will come from this partnership, and we look forward to many years of success together.”
Wayde Dorkin, Head of Product at Hollywoodbets added “We’re looking forward to welcoming Play’n GO’s legendary games portfolio to our platform, and we know our players are just as excited as we are. We’re committed to being the number one operator in South Africa, and partnering with Play’n GO is a significant step forward on that journey.”
The post Play’n GO announces landmark South African partnership with Hollywoodbets appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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