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India Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
From the India Today archives (2025)
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated January 6, 2025)Gukesh Dommaraju doesn't have many childhood memories but there is one that's clearly etched in his mind. As a seven-year-old rookie chess player, standing with his father far back in a packed room at Chennai's Hyatt Regency hotel to watch Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen duel it out for the world championship title. The kid couldn't see the black-and-white squares but the sight of the two greats 'was inspiring' enough that he envisioned a dream then and there. 'I thought it'd be cool to be inside that glass box one day,' he says. Four years later, in a now viral clip he'd articulate the desire better: 'I want to become the youngest world chess champion.' On December 12, 2024, Gukesh, all of 18, fulfilled the wish by winning a thrilling contest against Ding Liren that lasted 56 hours, spread across 14 days. In doing so, the teenager not only broke legend Garry Kasparov's record to become chess's youngest world champion ever, but also became only the second Indian to win the title (after Anand's heroics in the noughties).advertisementBut Gukesh's splendid run in 2024—winning the Candidates face-off to become the challenger, a team and individual gold at the Chess Olympiad, then the world title—is a story within a story. The larger one is that India is today a bonafide chess powerhouse, a fecund ground for grandmasters (GMs) who are captivating the world. It's a whole Gen Z army out there. Take Arjun Erigaisi (21) who, earlier this month, entered the elite 2800 Elo ratings club, only the 16th player in history to do so. Besides these two, R. Praggnanandhaa (19) and Vidit Gujrathi (30), their partners from the gold medal-winning Olympiad 2024 team, are among the five Indians in the FIDE (Fdration Internationale des checs) top 20 rankings. Meanwhile, at the Global Chess League in October, 20-year-old Nihal Sarin was adjudged the season's most valuable player after guiding his team, PBG Alaskan Knights, into the CHECK AND MATE: Gukesh moments after beating Ding Liren of China in the 14th and last game, Dec. 12. (Photographs by FIDE) THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHTIndia's groundbreaking year in chess isn't over yet as Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa, Raunak Sadhwani (19), Aravindh Chithambaram (25) and Pranav V. (18) are among 10 Indians competing in the ongoing World Rapid and Blitz Championship in New York (December 26-30). Also in the Big Apple are the rising queens of the chessboard: R. Vaishali (23), who was tied second at the Candidates; Divya Deshmukh (19), the reigning junior girls champion; and women's International Master (IM) Vantika Agrawal (22). The trio was also part of the women's team which won gold at the Chess Olympiad in has described it as 'an Indian earthquake in chess'. For India now has 85 GMs, over half of them coming after Anand's world championship triumphs. Currently, an estimated 200 Indians are professional chess players. Hear Generation Next talk of chess and one gets a sense that this is less about success and big money and more about mad love and respect for the game. 'One move just changes the whole position and result,' says Pragg. 'It's what keeps me excited about looking at games and learning new things.' In elder sister Vaishali, the 2023 World Cup finalist is lucky to have someone at home with whom he can discuss all things chess. The duo is world's first brother-sister grandmaster pair. 'You have these opening ideas which you want to show but you cannot discuss with others,' he says. 'If I find something fascinating about a position and vice-versa, we discuss. We learn from each other.'advertisementThis generation also has distinct personalities and playing styles. If Gukesh and Pragg step into the field with vibhuti on their foreheads, Divya's game mode is hair down and lipstick on. If Gukesh appears as impassive as a poker player, Vidit Gujrathi is all emotion when on the board. International Master Sagar Shah, who is also the founder and CEO of popular content platform ChessBase India, singles out their differences. 'Gukesh has this huge ability for creative play at the board, Pragg has amazing endgame technique, Arjun has the ability to create complications which very few can navigate,' says Shah. Their strong showing has seen India emerge as the second biggest market after the US for the game's most popular website. That's 18.5 million registered users and a monthly active user base of 8 million. 'In terms of viewership, we are the fastest growing market,' says Avadh Shah, country director for Pragg and Vaishali have their mother, Nagalakshmi, accompanying them for tournaments, Gukesh relies on his father, Rajinikanth, an ENT specialist who put his practice on hold to travel with his son. Contrary to popular perception, chess is an expensive pursuit, with training fees coming at a hefty cost for families from middle-class backgrounds. Gukesh's mother Padmakumari, who teaches at the Madras Medical College (MMC), speaks of a time as recently as 2018-19 when the couple 'had no money' to fund their son's dream to be the youngest Grandmaster, which in turn required participation in tournaments abroad. The Dommarajus had their batchmates from the MMC pool in money to help them out. 'They were our first sponsors and we'll be grateful to them forever,' says KING'S GAMBITThe story of India's chess boom begins with the Covid pandemic when all the world was confined to their homes. The Netflix 2020 series, The Queen's Gambit, had generated a wave of interest in chess globally with many taking to playing chess online, but back home in India it was a king in not-so-shiny armour who was making a big push. His name? Viswanathan Anand. Having just hit 50, the five-time world champion's decision to step back a bit from his own playing career to give back to the sport would become a game-changing move for Indian December 2020, Anand partnered with WestBridge Capital to start WestBridge Anand Chess Academy a.k.a. WACA and identified a few promising GMs to take under its wing. 'For a couple of decades now, India has been one of the strongest countries in youth championships. The goal we set for ourselves was to help our most talented youngsters break into the top,' Anand told INDIA TODAY. Among the earliest benefactors of Anand's mentoring and online training sessions with top GMs like Grzegorz Gajewski, Artur Yusupov and Boris Gelfand were Gukesh, Pragg, Sarin and Raunak Sadhwani. 'Vishy Sir's is the biggest contribution,' says Gukesh. 'He and WestBridge did a great job of finding talent and providing amazing support. We were working super hard, and we had the best technologies also.' Adds Pragg, 'We didn't have tournaments in 2020 so the classes came at the correct time and we were all excited to attend the sessions. You can discuss anything with Vishy Sir, the games, what to focus on in training, what's lacking in one's game....'advertisementTo deploy Kasparov's now-famous comment, it wasn't long before 'Vishy's children' were on the loose. At the 2022 Chess Olympiad in Chennai, both the men's and women's team won bronze medals, with Gukesh and Nihal winning individual golds too. The men's and women's team would also win silver at the Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou. Anand says, 'I saw that Gukesh was very talented. Gukesh and Pragg, their work ethic was just off the charts. Nihal was a bit more mysterious. They were all very ambitious. I noticed this pattern that they all motivate each other. The moment one gets something, the others are driven.'Anand was the mastermind, but a host of other factors abetted the rise of the young bloods. The first generation of IMs and GMs started coaching academies which produced players like Vishnu Prasanna (one of Gukesh's longstanding coaches), R.B. Ramesh (coach of Pragg and Vaishali), Srinath Narayanan (Arjun, Nihal and Divya) and Abhijit Kunte. Anand likes to say that they coached 'the golden generation' of CHESS INTO HOMESThe credit for chess's growing appeal in India also goes to the unlikeliest of suspects—stand-up comedians. Popular comic Samay Raina, a chess enthusiast himself, started streaming games with peers such as Tanmay Bhatt, Biswa Kalyan Rath, Anirban Dasgupta and others on his YouTube show, Comedians Over the Board, in 2022. In March 2023, Raina would play Gukesh and lose after being in a winning position. The seven-minute video streamed on ChessBase India's YouTube channel has thus far netted 7.3 million views. Samay's chatty style and humorous commentary has gone a long way in changing the perception of chess being a game for nerds. Or as Anand, showing his funny side, told Samay: 'You've turned chess into a joke.'The chess fraternity acknowledges the impact of online creators like Samay and Biswa Kalyan. The latter even co-directed the documentary, Candidates, on India's chess prodigies, which will release in 2025. 'The difficult part about chess was that it was conceived as a hard, intimidating game. We had to take down that glass barrier,' says known chess commentator and IM Tania Sachdev who was part of the Olympiad gold-winning team. 'Getting a non-professional chess player voice like that of Samay into the scene really exponentially grew the game. The audience could relate to the game, have fun with it.' Sachdev and Anand also lauded the efforts of Sagar Shah and ChessBase India which 'opened up the game to audiences'. Starting in 2015, Sagar began covering the chess scene in India, interviewing its youngest and most talented practitioners as well as providing technical material for chess enthusiasts to hone their recently, both Samay and Sagar were at the centre of the first ever screening-cum-livestreaming of the 14 games of the World Chess Championships, held at The Habitat in Mumbai. Partnering with it had Anand and comedians like Samay, Bhatt and others joining Sagar and Tania Sachdev giving commentary through the long games. 'In chess, visuals don't do the talking,' says Sachdev, who is backed by Red Bull. 'You have to make chess accessible and entertaining while being true to it. You cannot make viewers feel like yeh kya ho raha hai.'Audiences cheered the breakthrough moves, broke into Gukesh chants and there was even a live rendition of a song dedicated to him, 'Go Go Guki Go'. Online viewership was impressive too. The average reach of each game was 1.5 million views with the highest coming for the final game, 3.9 million views. Another promising stat—as much as 70 per cent of the online audience was from the 19-34 age group. While Tamil Nadu continues to be the mecca of chess in India, the most views for the livestream came from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and the run of the past two years is anything to go by, India's chess future looks extremely promising. For professional players, it's an expensive pursuit, finding funding for the training and the travel to tournaments abroad. Luckily, apart from public sector companies, more private companies are now betting big money to support India's bright stars. Gukesh and Vaishali have WestBridge, Quantbox and Adani back Arjun and Pragg respectively, and Nihal Sarin's got Akshayakalpa. The All India Chess Federation also plays its part; a portion of its Rs 65 crore annual budget is used in contracts for 42 top players in seven different age categories (up to 19 years) as well as free coaching to 320 other selected players. Federation president Nitin Narang says, 'Often, players drop their passion owing to financial constraints, but with financial support and other facilities, they will be better positioned to excel.'The question now is, can they shun the noise and stay focused on the game, more so in this age of social media where scrutiny is relentless. 'I have told them how I do and did things,' says Anand. 'They have to take that and adapt it to a new time. Many of them have impressed me with how quickly they have grown into their own.'It helps that chess's Gen Z generation of Grandmasters are committed and value their role as the game's ambassadors. 'Gukesh will be the next Virat Kohli of India,' proclaims Sagar Shah, who has been tracking his evolution since 2016. 'When he says, 'I don't want to cheat at anything in life,' it's just the person he is. All of them are hardworking, honest and prioritise the processes over result. For youngsters, they are great role models.'For the world champion, reaching the summit of chess is only the beginning of his journey in chess. Gukesh brings a Rajini-like swagger to what is perceived as a serious sport just in the manner he strides his way to the chessboard or adjusts his shirt collar during the game. A fan of biographies of sporting greats, he understands the significance of a healthy mind which is why he engaged mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton—of Indian cricket team fame—in his team. There's also a self-awareness, which is why even after becoming world champion he declares he isn't the best and has much to do to catch up with the mighty Magnus Carlsen. If the games at the world championships were anything to go by, Gukesh is an audacious challenger, who refuses to give in. Persistent, he sits with eyes closed calculating moves that seem to bamboozle opponents. Ding certainly seemed frazzled. 'I just like to play chess, yeah,' Gukesh said at a press conference after one of the games. In the simplicity of that statement is hidden a grand ambition, a player who wants to be a GOAT (greatest of all time).The real rewards of Gukesh's achievement and those of others of his generation will perhaps be felt in the decades to come. For now, at the end of a tumultuous year, India's young grandmasters spearheaded by Gukesh have done enough to lift our collective pride and justify why the INDIA TODAY editors declared them the 2024 Newsmaker of the Year. Here's hoping India's chess tribe rules the squares for many more years DESHMUKH, 19IM, World Junior Girls Champion (Photo: Mandar Deodhar) Boring. That was five-year-old Divya Deshmukh's first impression of chess until the competitive streak kicked in. 'After I started playing tournaments, I wanted to finish on top of the table and be best at it,' says Deshmukh, who is vying to be Nagpur's third GM and only the fourth female to achieve the honour. After a breakthrough 2024 which saw her clinch team gold and individual gold at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, become the girls' world junior champion and cross 2500 Elo ratings, Divya's goals for 2025 are simple: 'Focus on mental and physical wellbeing, be healthy and happy.', 21GrandmasterRanked higher than Gukesh at No. 4 and with a better Elo rating (2801), the boy from Hanamkonda, Telangana, is seen as the one most likely to challenge the champion for the throne. An erstwhile protg of the WestBridge Academy, Arjun will aim to qualify for Candidates 2026. Adept at rapid and blitz formats, he is known for his positional clarity and ability to leave his opponents perplexed with complex moves.R. PRAGGNANANDHAA, 19 & VAISHALI RAMESHBABU, 23Grandmasters (Photo: Mark Livshitz/FIDE) She thinks he's 'messy'; he thinks she does 'things perfectly', which can at times be 'annoying'. What binds them is their unbridled love for chess. Four years her junior, Pragg took to the game only after watching big sister Vaishali play it. The duo became the first siblings to attain the Grandmaster tag and qualify for the prestigious Candidates tournament. While father Rameshbabu manages their media engagements and playing calendar, mother Nagalakshmi is a constant presence by their side at key tournaments. Says Pragg, 'There were many difficult moments financially but we never felt the pinch because they never told us about it. They have motivated us and kept us going during tough tournaments. They have been very important in our journey.'Subscribe to India Today Magazine
Time Business News
a day ago
- Time Business News
Understanding the Importance of Structural Precision
When it comes to building anything that needs to stand the test of time, structural precision is not just helpful—it's essential. Whether it's a towering skyscraper, a sprawling bridge, or a single-family home, every project relies heavily on accuracy in planning, material specification, and execution. The importance of precision doesn't only relate to aesthetics or efficiency; it can mean the difference between safety and disaster. In recent years, the global construction industry has experienced a notable evolution. The push for sustainable buildings, the integration of digital tools, and stricter building codes have all placed an emphasis on getting the details right. One seemingly minor error in measurement or alignment can lead to project delays, increased costs, or worse, structural failure. This shift in focus has created a strong demand for services and tools that promote exactitude, right from the initial design stages to the final build. At the heart of this precision revolution are components like precision strand and rebar. These reinforced materials are designed with exact specifications, making them ideal for projects requiring pinpoint strength distribution and stress tolerance. Used commonly in concrete reinforcement, these materials ensure the integrity of structural frameworks and support systems. As highlighted by the American Concrete Institute, even the smallest inconsistency in rebar placement or tension can significantly alter load distribution, making accuracy a non-negotiable. To get a clearer understanding of how critical this is, consider the 1981 Hyatt Regency walkway collapse in Kansas City. Investigations later revealed that minor deviations in connection design and load-bearing assumptions led to catastrophic failure. Over 100 lives were lost. This tragic event became a harsh lesson on the consequences of overlooking structural precision. Cases like this underline the value of relying on precise materials and adhering to strict engineering protocols. The rise of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has helped immensely in refining construction accuracy. BIM allows architects, engineers, and contractors to work from the same digital blueprint, reducing misunderstandings and improving collaborative planning. The National Institute of Building Sciences has credited BIM with reducing construction rework by up to 30%, thereby enhancing both safety and budget adherence. However, the digital tools themselves are only as effective as the data and components that feed into them. Which brings us to the human aspect of this whole precision puzzle. Skilled labor, experienced engineers, and vigilant project managers are indispensable. Even the most sophisticated tech won't compensate for poor execution on-site. Training programs and certifications, like those from the American Institute of Steel Construction, play a key role in upholding construction quality standards across the industry. Material providers are also stepping up. Companies are now offering pre-certified components with digital tracking and quality assurance guarantees. This means that builders can verify the exact properties of the materials they're using, reducing guesswork and preventing substitution with substandard products. The traceability of materials adds another layer of reliability to any structural project. Speaking of design integrity, incorporating structural modeling and simulations before actual construction has become a standard best practice. With 3D modeling and simulation tools, engineers can now predict how a structure will perform under various conditions—from high winds to seismic activity. These simulations often bring to light potential design flaws that would otherwise go unnoticed until it's too late. Additionally, the role of precision strand and rebar extends far beyond just being construction materials. These elements are integral to shaping the overall resilience of a building. For example, post-tensioned concrete slabs, which utilize these components, allow for greater span lengths and load-carrying capacities. Studies from the Structural Engineers Association emphasize how such materials significantly improve structural lifespan while reducing long-term maintenance costs. As buildings become taller and more complex, precision becomes exponentially more important. Every extra story adds more pressure, more wind load, and more room for error. In urban environments where space is limited, the margin for miscalculation shrinks. Cities like New York and Tokyo, with their dense infrastructure, have made advanced precision techniques a mandatory part of their building codes. With the demand for exactitude growing, so too is the need for specialized services like rebar modeling services. These providers ensure that rebar layouts are optimized before construction begins, minimizing conflicts and maximizing efficiency on-site. According to industry reports, firms that implement such modeling services report a 25% faster installation time and significant waste reduction. These services aren't just beneficial—they're becoming an industry standard. Looking to the future, the adoption of AI and machine learning in construction precision is poised to grow. Predictive analytics can now flag potential design issues before they occur, using vast amounts of data to forecast outcomes. As highlighted in an article by Engineering News-Record, this form of tech-driven oversight is already improving success rates in complex builds. Automation tools are streamlining both planning and real-time monitoring, adding layers of checks that go far beyond human capability. Incorporating all these advancements isn't just about staying current. It's about responsibility. Structural failures can be devastating—not just financially, but in human cost. The world expects more from its builders now, and rightfully so. Every beam, every wire, every bolt must be part of a precise system designed to endure. To conclude, understanding and embracing structural precision is no longer optional. It's the backbone of safe, sustainable, and cost-effective construction. Whether you're laying the foundation for a home or engineering the next skyline icon, the commitment to precision determines success. From leveraging high-grade materials like precision strand and rebar to adopting advanced tools such as rebar modeling services, each step should reflect a dedication to excellence. And in an industry where one wrong measurement can spell disaster, that dedication could save more than just money—it could save lives. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Tokyo Weekender
7 days ago
- Tokyo Weekender
Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island, Okinawa: A Revitalizing Resort Surrounded by the Sea
Imagine waking up to wafts of the gentle sea breeze, then looking out the window to find yourself completely surrounded by azure waters. This is what it is to stay at Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island, Okinawa, a one-of-a-kind destination where traditional Okinawan culture and stunning nature meet wellness, culinary excellence and deep relaxation — all surrounded by the endless blues of the East China Sea. An Island Unto Itself Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island, Okinawa stands apart — quite literally — as an entire island resort within the boundaries of Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park. Since it's situated in an area that's protected under Japan's Natural Parks Law, this exclusive destination offers a rare privilege: experiencing pristine natural scenery while enjoying world-class hospitality. Connected to the mainland by a short bridge, the resort creates a distinct sense of escape while remaining accessible. What makes this hotel truly exceptional is its 360-degree ocean views, providing guests with an immersive maritime experience rarely found even among seaside resorts. A Different Kind of Wellness Destination Okinawa holds the distinction of being Japan's only Blue Zone — one of just five regions worldwide where people routinely live beyond 100 years in remarkable health. At Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island, Okinawa, this legacy of longevity is also integrated into every aspect of the guest experience. Here, wellness is not limited to stillness or spa treatments — although the hotel offers both, allowing for moments of serenity and bliss. But wellness isn't just about relaxing; it's also about movement, connection and revitalization. It's about being mentally and physically healthy and filled with energy. Recognizing this, the resort offers a comprehensive range of hotel-operated marine activities that take full advantage of the surrounding sea. Whether it's snorkeling from a boat, kayaking through crystal-clear waters or simply relaxing by the signature outdoor Gusuku Pool or tranquil lagoon, guests can experience the healing power of the ocean and nature that has sustained Okinawan culture for centuries. Shirakachi Japanese Cuisine Shirakachi Robatayaki Shirakachi Teppanyaki Shirakachi Sushi Dining at Hyatt Regency Seragaki, Okinawa: Shirakachi Japanese Cuisine One of the resort's most distinctive offerings is Shirakachi, a signature culinary destination that brings the essence of Okinawan vitality to the table. Named after the Ryukyuan word for 'Seragaki,' it's more than just a restaurant — it's a curated journey through the history and ingredients of Okinawa. Shirakachi Japanese Cuisine Situated on the second floor, Shirakachi is a collection of four unique dining experiences, specializing in robata grill, sushi, teppanyaki and Japanese cuisine. Without obvious partitions between its various sections, the space evokes the feeling of wandering through vibrant alleyways during travel. Shirakachi Japanese Cuisine is led by Jun Kakazu, a certified Ryukyu cuisine preservation specialist whose carefully crafted menu reimagines the lavish royal court traditions of the former Ryukyu Dynasty — a proud and independent kingdom whose legacy still shapes Okinawan identity today, from its distinct language and customs to its rich culinary heritage. The dining experience here transcends mere gastronomy to become an educational exploration. Guests who opt for the kaiseki course meal will be personally guided through each course, with the chef explaining rare indigenous ingredients and their historical significance in the region's renowned longevity. Whether you're seeking deep relaxation, cultural enrichment or invigorating time in nature, Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island, Okinawa offers a revitalizing escape with all the warmth of a second home. Thoughtfully designed to feel like a seaside living room — comfortable, welcoming and connected to its surroundings — the resort blends Okinawan hospitality with world-class amenities. Guests are invited to experience the magic of being embraced by the pristine ocean, from immersive marine adventures and kayaking through crystal-clear waters to peaceful moments at the hotel's signature Gusuku Pool and lagoon. This deep connection to the sea flows through every part of the stay — from the ocean's healing energy and the soothing effects of traditional Okinawan therapies, to meals that celebrate the island's rich heritage and the natural rhythms that invite you to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. Plan Your Visit To book a trip to Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa, visit their website . For more information about Shirakachi Japanese cuisine, click here . Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island,Okinawa Address: 1108 Seragaki Onnason, Okinawa, 904-0404, Japan Phone: 098 960 4321
Globe and Mail
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Call for Submissions for 2025 Webster Awards Now Open
VANCOUVER, BC, May 27, 2025 /CNW/ - The call for submissions for the 2025 Webster Awards is now open. Journalists across B.C. can now submit their work in the 16 categories available this year by filling out the online submission forms found here. The Webster Awards, Western Canada's preeminent journalism awards, recognize excellence in journalism across B.C. Submissions will be accepted until the deadline of 11:59 p.m., July 27 th, 2025, Pacific Time. All finalists will be celebrated and the winner in each category will be announced during the November 3rd Webster Awards in-person gala dinner evening at the Hyatt Regency, Vancouver. More details to come and tickets will go on sale at a later date.
Cision Canada
27-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Call for Submissions for 2025 Webster Awards Now Open
VANCOUVER, BC, May 27, 2025 /CNW/ - The call for submissions for the 2025 Webster Awards is now open. Journalists across B.C. can now submit their work in the 16 categories available this year by filling out the online submission forms found here. The Webster Awards, Western Canada's preeminent journalism awards, recognize excellence in journalism across B.C. Submissions will be accepted until the deadline of 11:59 p.m., July 27 th, 2025, Pacific Time. All finalists will be celebrated and the winner in each category will be announced during the November 3rd Webster Awards in-person gala dinner evening at the Hyatt Regency, Vancouver. More details to come and tickets will go on sale at a later date. Best News Reporting of the Year, TV/Video Best News Reporting of the Year, Print/Online Best News Reporting of the Year, Radio/Audio Excellence in Feature Reporting, TV/Video Excellence in Feature Reporting, Print/Online Newly Revised category/criteria this year Excellence in Feature Reporting, Radio/Audio Excellence in Investigative & Enterprise Journalism Presented by the B.C. Crown Counsel Association Excellence in Innovative Journalism Excellence in Business Reporting Endowed by Jean Cormier Excellence in Arts and Culture Reporting Excellence in Legal Journalism Presented by the Law Society of B.C. Excellence in Health Reporting Excellence in Environment Reporting Presented by the Pacific Salmon Foundation Excellence in Multilingual Journalism Excellence in Community Reporting Presented by the Al Roadburg Foundation Commentator of the Year – City Mic Award Presented in memory of Linda Webster Finalists and winners are chosen by the Webster Awards jury, all members who are independent of the Jack Webster Foundation and its board. Submissions are encouraged from print, radio/podcasts, television and online media sources across B.C. that cover news, sports, the arts, business, community issues, and more. For more information about the categories, eligibility and category specific criteria, plus to be able to submit for an award, all information can be found here. This year's Webster Awards are made possible by Presenting Sponsors: BCGEU, BCIT, Beedie, Concord Pacific, FortisBC, Global Container Terminals Inc., Langara, Resource Works, Uber, the Urban Development Institute, Pacific Region and West Coast Reduction. Supporting Sponsors: Angus Reid Institute, Goodman Commercial Inc., Jim Pattison Group, Ledcor Group, RBC, RedFM, Seaspan, YVR, and ZLC Financial. Webster Award partners are Oh Boy Productions, Glacier Media, and the Vancouver Sun and Province. Cision is the exclusive distribution partner of the Jack Webster Foundation. The Jack Webster Foundation was established in 1986, upon the retirement of its namesake, who was Western Canada's best-known and most influential reporter, in order to foster and celebrate excellence in journalism, protect the public interest for British Columbian's, and create a community where trusted outstanding journalism thrives.
