In a week filled with purpose and powerful connection, gsport reached a historic milestone by hosting its first-ever youth outreach activations outside South Africa.
The location was Barbados, home of legendary commentator Donna Symmonds, whose voice first inspired gsport Founder Kass Naidoo to dream of a place for herself in sport.
The journey began with a meaningful session hosted by the Barbados Cricket Association and its dedicated Women’s Cricket Officer, Shakera Selman. Kass addressed the Young Gems, a dynamic group of young athletes passionate about cricket and their futures. Her message was simple but powerful: set goals, believe in yourself, and know that you belong in sport.
Later in the week, Kass, a Brand South Africa Play Your Part ambassador, joined Dr Sasha Sutherland, Chairperson of the Barbados Royals Girls Cricket Club, for a joyful Saturday morning spent with the first all-girls cricket club in the Caribbean.
The day was filled with energy and connection as Kass watched the girls train, shared stories, encouraged their dreams, and joined in the laughter and fun. These girls weren’t just learning how to play, they were learning that they have a place in sport and that their voices matter.
Before departing Barbados, Kass also spoke at Embrace 2025 at St Benedict’s College on the topic “Small Ideas, Big Changes,” reflecting on the humble beginnings of gsport and its growth into South Africa’s leading women’s sport movement.
These visits are part of the build-up to the 20th edition of the gsport Awards, celebrated this year under the #gsport20 campaign. First held on the day gsport launched on 1 August 2006, the gsport Awards have grown into South Africa’s longest-running recognition platform for women in sport.
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While gsport will officially celebrate its 20th birthday in 2026, this year’s #gsport20 campaign marks a moment of reflection, renewed purpose, and expanding global reach, a powerful reminder of what is possible when we come together to uplift women in sport.
This global momentum began in 2019 with the launch of the #gsportGlobal chapter in Surat, India, a step toward closing the gap between Africa and the rest of the world. In 2020, gsport introduced the Global Woman in Sport Award, expanding the platform’s ability to honour excellence on the world stage. Since then, gsport has built a strong network of international correspondents covering events like the Women’s Cricket and Football World Cups and the Olympic Games.
As Youth Month is celebrated in South Africa, Kass reflected on the significance of the trip and the future ahead. “The trip to Barbados was eye-opening. At gsport, in the coming weeks, we are excited to shine a light on the incredible work being done in the region to advance women’s sport and to spotlight the women leaders who are paving the way.”
Now, as gsport celebrates two decades of impact, the call to action is clear. Let us raise the profile of women in sport together.
✨ #IRecogniseHer – Do you?
Nominate a deserving woman who is making her mark in sport. Whether she is on the field, leading behind the scenes, or breaking new ground, your nomination can help her story be seen and celebrated.
🗓 Nominations close Monday, 30 June 2025
🔗 Visit www.gsport.co.za to Nominate Today!
Main Photo Caption: The location was Barbados, home of legendary cricket commentator Donna Symmonds, and for gsport Founder Kass Naidoo, it was a week filled with purpose and powerful connections following the historic milestone of hosting gsport’s first-ever youth outreach activations outside of South Africa. All Photos: Dr Sasha Sutherland
Photo 2 Caption: The location was Barbados, home of legendary commentator Donna Symmonds, whose voice first inspired Kass.
Photo 3 Caption: The journey began at the Barbados Cricket Association, where Kass addressed a dynamic group of young athletes called Young Gems.
Photo 4 Caption: Later, Kass joined Dr Sasha Sutherland at the Barbados Royals Girls Cricket Club, for a joyful Saturday morning with the all-girls club.
Photo 5 Caption: As Youth Month is celebrated in South Africa, Kass reflected on the significance of the trip and the future ahead.
