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World Leisure International Innovation Prize

The World Leisure International Innovation Prize (the WLO Prize) seeks to recognize organizations that have implemented creative solutions which foster local, national or international leisure opportunities for the benefit and development of individuals and communities. Leisure is considered in its broadest sense including play, recreation, the arts and culture, sports, festivals and celebrations, health and fitness, or travel and tourism. It encompasses indoor or outdoor programs, services and amenities.

A major component that differentiates the WLO Prize from other awards is that is focuses on the social and cultural aspects of leisure as an aspect of the lived experience for individuals in a community and for visitors to the community. The Prize represents the use of leisure as a creative solution to enhancing collectively the social, cultural, environmental, and economic quality of life in an area.

The first WLO Prizes were presented at the 2006 World Leisure Congress in Hangzhou, China.

Who can apply?

The WLO Prize is open to any organization (public, voluntary, or private) that completes the application process and meets the following criteria for their project:

• The project has been in operation for two years or more
• The applicant demonstrates originality and creativity in the project
• The objectives of the project are clearly stated with evidence that they have been met
• The project is of high quality
• The project contributes to promoting the social, cultural, economic, and/or environmental quality of the community
• The project demonstrates how leisure contributes to the quality of life of citizens and visitors (if appropriate)
• Evidence is described for the long term sustainability of the project

What is meant by Innovation?

Originality, creativity, and innovation should be demonstrated related to process (vision, management, and communications), resources (financial viability and human such as volunteers), partnerships and community involvement, outputs (program, events, and amenities) and outcomes. Further, the project should be “inspirational” or demonstrate a “feel good” factor. Innovation may mean a new idea or it may mean finding creative solutions through leisure to existing problems and issues. Innovations must demonstrate more than a quality program. In addition, applicants must demonstrate that their project does not exist elsewhere but it could be potentially adapted to other situations.

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Innovation
• Description of the objectives of the project and clear evidence that the project has been successful
• Quality
• Community involvement
• Impact on participants
• Demonstration of sustainability

Originality, creativity, and innovation should be demonstrated related to process (vision, management and communications), resources (financial viability and human such as volunteers), partnerships and community involvement, outputs (program, events and amenities) and outcomes. Further, the project should be “inspirational” or demonstrate a “feel good” factor. Innovation may mean a new idea or it may mean finding creative solutions through leisure to existing problems and issues. Innovations must demonstrate more than a quality program. In addition, applicants must demonstrate that their project does not exist elsewhere but it could be potentially adapted to other situations.

Application

Applications can be submitted in only two languages: Chinese or English. All entries must be sent in electronic formats to leisureprize@worldleisure.org. Applications are limited to 1500 words. No images (videos, pictures, power points, brochures or any other material) besides the written materials can be submitted. The application, however, can include a web address where panel members may go to review images or get more information.
Applications that are more than 1500 words or include images will be returned to the applicant without review.
Once an application is submitted, it will be acknowledged by the administrative assistant

The application should include:

• Name of organization and full contact details
• Name of principal contact or representative
• Title of project
• A written statement of not more than 1500 words that addresses the 6 innovation criteria

Recognition/Benefits to the Recipient

Winning applicants will receive Winning applicants will receive a “George” trophy and a framed certificate in an Awards Ceremony at the World Leisure Congress. The “George” is named in honor of Dr George Torkildsen (1934 – 2005) who was the first Prize Committee Chair and past WLO Board Chair.

WLO Prize winners will be notified in good time to make suitable travel arrangements to attend the World Leisure Congress. A representative from each winning organization will have their travel, accommodation expenses and delegate fee paid to the World Leisure Congress.

A “highly commendable” certificate may be given to other projects but they will not be compensated to attend the World Leisure Congress.

Prize Committee

Applications are judged by an international panel of experts