Further Together with Gymshark

Gymshark has partnered with Future Lions 2022 to set a new brief.

Celebrating its 16th year of the competition, AKQA is proud to announce Gymshark and TikTok as official partners for Future Lions 2022. This year’s theme is a call to action for young people to unite the conditioning community. Young people are encouraged to use their creative skills to show how we empower people to build a better future and overcome the barriers they face to create a healthier life for themselves.

The deadline for entries is 18th April 2022 and open for all creative young minds age 18-25 to submit ideas. The four winning teams will pitch their ideas live to an expert creative jury in Summer 2022. The winning team will earn the opportunity to work with Gymshark and AKQA to bring their dream into reality. Each of the winning teams will be honoured with a prestigious Future Lions trophy.

Gymshark’s Chief Brand Officer, Noel Mack said: “As a brand that started with a 19-year-old in a garage and the hope to build something better, we really appreciate the value of young creative minds. The standard of creativity and lateral thinking doesn’t get higher than Future Lions. We’re seriously excited for what’s produced as well as the chance to work with the teams, and know that personally I’m going to come away super inspired by what’s to come.”

TikTok Head of Marketing, Global Business Solutions EU, Trevor Johnson said: “Global communities promote connection, diversity and inclusion - they unite us and provide representation. This year’s brief, Further Together, speaks to this by empowering young people to create an inclusive community of the future that they want to be a part of. Celebrating the success communities can have when they are united has never been more important. It’s something we see every single day on TikTok, with people creating and sharing, discovering the world around them and connecting with others globally, in a uniquely authentic way. We are honoured to be on this journey with Future Lions alongside AKQA and Gymshark.”

Ajaz Ahmed, CEO of AKQA, said: “At the forefront of change and more empowered than ever, today’s youth is the source of social transformation and the catalyst of decisive action. With so many stories yet to be told, young people hold a unique perspective of being able to challenge established and often archaic notions.”

Last year saw over 525 schools across 81 countries taking part in the competition, a record number of entrants. The school with the highest number of shortlisted entries will be named Future Lions School of the Year. In 2021, this accolade was awarded to Brother Barcelona.