ACES Award
The United Through Sports family has plenty to celebrate. Representing more than 159 organisations across international federations, NGOs, ministries, and cities, UTS is proud to announce that its President, Stephan Fox, has been recognised as one of Asia’s Impact Advocates at the ACES Awards 2025. The award was presented at the InterContinental Bali Resort in Jimbaran Bay during a ceremony dedicated to leaders who are shaping the future with purpose. For Stephan Fox, the moment reflected years of work centred on one belief: Sport can change lives.
Recognition from the ACES Council
“The ACES Council is honored to recognize Stephan Fox for his extraordinary contributions to global sports leadership and social advocacy. His work in uniting diverse communities through sport exemplifies the true spirit of impact and inclusion, while his unwavering dedication to youth empowerment, ethical leadership, and peace-building continues to inspire the region and beyond. Stephan has continually expanded the reach of sport as a driver of positive change”.
Through humanitarian and youth focused platforms such as United Through Sports, he has brought global sporting bodies together to champion inclusion, equality, and empowerment. A steadfast advocate against human trafficking, harassment, and negligence in sport, he has also advanced sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, underscoring his lifelong commitment to athlete welfare, ethical leadership, and meaningful social impact. We celebrate his achievements as a beacon of transformative leadership”.
A Leader with Purpose
Shanggari Balakrishnan, President of the ACES Awards, spoke about the deeper meaning behind this year’s recognition:
“At the ACES Awards 2025, we honour leaders and organisations who are not just moving ahead, but doing so with intention. This year’s theme, ‘Leading with Purpose,’ reflects a powerful shift across Asia where growth is measured not only by success, but by significance. It is my honour to congratulate Stephan Fox on being named one of Asia’s Impact Advocates. Throughout his distinguished career, he has redefined the role of sport in society, transforming it from competition into a unifying force for peace, equality, and youth development. His leadership in United Through Sports demonstrates a rare blend of advocacy, diplomacy, and humanity. The ACES Council commends him not only for his remarkable achievements, but for inspiring future generations to dream bigger, act boldly, and build a more inclusive world”.
Sport as a Global Connector
At the heart of Stephan Fox’s work is a simple idea. Every child deserves the chance to play, to grow, and to feel included in sports. As President of United Through Sports, he has helped build a global network that makes sport accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Through partnerships with the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, and Special Olympics International, UTS now brings together more than one hundred international federations under a shared mission of inclusion.
“When you give children the opportunity to play, you give them the opportunity to dream.” ~ Stephan Fox
Driving Change Beyond Competition
Stephan Fox’s impact reaches far beyond the sporting arena. His work with the United Nations, UNESCO, and Peace and Sport has supported programmes that address youth crime, expand access to education, and strengthen communities through sport. His advocacy for gender equality and efforts to raise awareness about human trafficking in sport earned him the IOC President’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Youth Protection.
Today, UTS organises more than 20 inclusive events each year. One of the most powerful is the World Youth Festival, where young athletes with and without disabilities compete together, proving that potential is not defined by physical limitations.
A Champion for the Next Generation
Through United Through Sports, Stephan Fox’s work has reached millions of young people in more than 70 countries. From safeguarding and health awareness to leadership and education, the organisation continues to create opportunities for those who need them most. Whether speaking at the United Nations or supporting youth in developing regions, his message remains the same: sport has the power to unite, heal, and inspire.
Julia Govinden, CEO of United Through Sports, shared her perspective on Stephan’s journey:
“Since the inception of United Through Sports in 2017, Stephan recognised the need to use sport as a powerful vehicle for positive change. His vision has shaped an organisation that, from day one, has been supported by the Olympic, Paralympic, and Special Olympics movements, and today unites 159 affiliated sport organisations worldwide.
Stephan is a true visionary, someone who thinks ten steps ahead and brings youth together beyond borders, cultures, and abilities. His contribution to societies across the globe goes far beyond what most could ever imagine. While this award will undoubtedly be dedicated to everyone who has supported the journey, it is Stephan’s vision, leadership, and strong values that ensure sport and integrity always prevail. He stands for and stands with the youth of the world, of all abilities. This is recognised by the global sporting movement, and this award is more than deserved”.
