The Open University will honour award-winning broadcaster and journalist Orla Chennaoui with an honorary doctorate at its Belfast Degree Ceremony next week.
The Draperstown-born sports broadcaster is being recognised for her outstanding contribution to sports journalism and broadcasting, her advocacy for women in sport, and her commitment to inspiring others to overcome barriers and reach their full potential.
The ceremony, which takes place on Tuesday 13 October at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall, will see Orla collect her honorary degree alongside more than 330 graduates from a diverse range of backgrounds, who will receive degrees in subjects ranging from Nursing to Forensic Psychology.
Originally from Draperstown, Co Derry/Londonderry, Orla’s journey began at her local athletics club. A former Irish champion and junior record holder in the triple jump, she went on to study Law and French at Queen’s University Belfast before completing a journalism qualification in Edinburgh.
Following early roles across print, radio and television news, including as a correspondent and reporter for Sky News, Orla moved into sports broadcasting in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympic Games, where she discovered a passion for telling the stories behind sporting achievement.
She has since covered some of the world’s biggest sporting events, including the Olympic and Commonwealth Games and cycling’s Grand Tours, and today fronts TNT Sports’ coverage of cycling, rugby and the Olympic Games. Her work has been recognised by the Broadcast Sport Awards and the British Sports Journalism Awards.
A passionate advocate for women in sport, Orla has consistently challenged outdated attitudes and called for greater equality and representation. In 2021, she guest edited Rouleur magazine’s record-breaking Women’s Special, placing the achievements of women in cycling firmly in the spotlight.
She is also the founder of Ten Times Braver, an online wellbeing platform encouraging people to move beyond fear, build confidence and take positive steps towards the life they want to lead.
Michael Bower, Principal & Director of The Open University in Ireland, said: “Orla Chennaoui’s career is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through talent, determination and a belief in the power of your own voice. From her beginnings in Draperstown to becoming one of the most recognisable voices in international sports broadcasting, Orla has consistently broken barriers and opened doors for others.
“Her story of resilience, curiosity and self-belief mirrors our ethos at The Open University and reflects many of the qualities we see in our graduates. It is a privilege to award her this Honorary Doctorate, and we hope her achievements will inspire the next generation to pursue their own ambitions, wherever their starting point may be.”
Reflecting on the honour, Orla Chennaoui added: “To receive an Honorary Doctorate from The Open University is a huge honour, and one that feels particularly special, coming home to Northern Ireland.
“Growing up in Draperstown, I could never have imagined that my journey would take me from the athletics track to some of the biggest sporting events in the world. My career has taught me that success rarely happens overnight – it comes from persistence, taking opportunities when they are presented to you and, perhaps most importantly, believing that you belong in the room.
“To have my journey recognised by The Open University is incredibly humbling. I hope that by sharing my own experiences, I can encourage others to believe in themselves, take a chance on their own potential and be brave enough to pursue the life they want.”
Former Irish presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese are among those to have received honorary degrees from The Open University, alongside Oscar-winning filmmaker Neil Jordan; sporting legends Mary Peters and Mickey Harte; Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody; peacebuilders Lord John Alderdice and Baroness Nuala O’Loan; and last year’s recipient, community leader and language activist Linda Ervine MBE.