Andrew Todos on the SJA Awards and Ukraine
As the main lights dimmed, the blue and yellow colours illuminated the room, the music was quietened from the mixing desk and the attention from a formally dressed crowd of sports enthusiasts turned to the stage.
Athletes, podcasters and youtubers sat at beautifully decorated and numbered tables, replenished with refreshments and with jocular journalists taking advantage of the opportunity to socialise once again post-pandemic.
But, as Jim Rosenthal demanded silence from an excited room and finished one of his many introductions, you heard the sound of 700 people pushing back their chairs and simultaneously standing to applaud onto the stage a very special guest.
As Andrew Todos, a Ukrainian football journalist and expert approached the stage, his country’s flag was projected on the big screen. Before a single word was said, he had already received a standing ovation.
Special Guest at the Awards
Andrew was there to present the Broadcast Journalist award, a prestigious trophy which, in the grand scheme of things, became an afterthought to a powerful, touching and heartfelt speech.
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Felipe Lima witnessed this first-hand and sought to speak to Andrew about his evening at the awards and the current situation in Ukraine.
“It was a great opportunity to be able to attend the event, present the award and give a speech to raise awareness about what is going on in Ukraine. Especially in the field that I am very passionate about,” he said.
“The sports media, community and industry has got a big impact on certain topics such as this. There’s only so much you can do on Twitter.
“During a night where you have so many highly respected and reputable names present, people from BBC, Sky Sports, CNN, ITV and so on. It was great to see all of them be so supportive.”
The Sports Journalism Awards annually celebrates the work from the biggest names in the industry, with Jim White, Jeff Stelling, Martyn Ziegler amongst the winners, to mention a few.
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But in a period where sporting events and celebrations are a sideshow, Andrew spoke about his colleagues from back home and the importance of journalists to keep reporting on it from around the globe.
“I think sports is slightly second handed right now. I have got lots of Ukrainian colleagues and friends that work in the sports media that have turned into war correspondents,” he added.
“I see that in the UK and globally, the coverage has improved. Everyone has been forced into researching Ukraine properly. In terms of spelling Ukrainian cities correctly, which may seem minor but, it helps the image and perception of Ukraine being an independent nation.”
The effect on sports
Alongside the support for the Ukrainian people and the content of this ongoing war, sports washing, sporting boycotts and sanctions have dominated the news cycle this week.
Russian athletes, clubs, teams, organisations and oligarchs associated with the Kremlin are becoming increasingly isolated from the world of sport.
“It’s a double-edged sword, I think. The sanctions are correct and I don’t think it is permissible for Russia to be competing in any global event while Putin is bombing children and maternity hospitals and shooting civilians in the streets,” he exclaimed.
“Russian athletes are Russian citizens at the end of the day and they do have some sort of responsibility, however small be it.
“Some of them have spoken out on social media. Some of them have gone as far as saying no to war. But not gone the full way by condemning Putin because evidently, they are scared for their own safety, career and families”.
The line between sports and politics is evidently the blurriest it has ever been. Now we see more and more sporting organisations being affected by the political climate and vice and versa.
Notably, the UK Government have imposed sanctions on Roman Abramovich, which have subsequently affected Chelsea Football Club, causing a frantic reaction within the fanbase.
Current sanctions mean Chelsea are unable to sell official merchandise.
Report @MzMary_Cathryn speaks to a fan who came all the way from Nigeria to only be told he was not able to buy gifts.
Full interview below: pic.twitter.com/40e05pjxhN
— Sports Gazette (@SportsGazette) March 11, 2022
However, Andrew reflected on how effective this can actually be away in helping Ukraine.
“I think that it is certain that the fans will start to get affected but I don’t think that will have direct impact on them starting to support Ukraine,” he added.
“Even though the UK Government is finally acting in good interest, it might only start to get these fans riled up”.
How to help
When asked about the best way to support Ukraine, Andrew highlighted some of the steps people can take to help.
“I think Ukraine needs a lot of humanitarian aid because much of the country, especially the East where Russia has invaded more deeply, it is completely devasted,” he explained.
“Food, water, clothing, blankets, medicines, are probably the key ones. All of this sort of stuff needs to get out there as soon as possible. People can donate where and what they can. There is a lot of collections centres across the UK that will be collecting bits and pieces.
“You can also donate financially if you are able to. You can do it via the Red Cross or the Go Fund Me”
The Sports Gazette stands with those affected in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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