The Power of Sport

The Council held their first Sport and Physical Activity Awards since 2019 this month, celebrating local sporting heroes and organisations who dedicate their time to helping residents in K&C get active, and help build a strong, healthy community.

With many activities available to residents for free in the Active for Life programme and wider Community Sport and Physical Activity Network, the awards champion the pocket-friendly opportunities open to residents in the borough, enabling people to be healthier, for less.

On the evening, ten awards were presented by six-time swimming World Champion and former Olympic swimmer Mark Foster and highlighted the breadth of activity taking place across the borough from access to sport for those with disabilities, to inspirational achievements of reaching elite-level sports despite adversity. Mark also shared his own story, discussing imposter syndrome and his route to the Olympics and elite swimming to his greatest achievements – which were not always the races he won or swam his best! 

On the night, a daring display from Calisseum demonstrated what is possible with the free calisthenics training they provide at the outdoor gyms in place across the borough. Available to all ages and fitness levels, the sessions focus on building strength, agility as well as mental resilience and aim to support young people in particular. Take a look at when their next session is now.

Lead member for Culture, Leisure and Community Safety Cllr Emma Will said of the awards,

The Sports Awards celebrate local people and the organisations in our borough who support their community day in and day out and work hard to inspire them through a range of physical activities. The commitment, enthusiasm, and encouragement they bring to their sports helps people to feel connected, be healthier and encourages future generations of athletes. 

The winners are:

Community Partner Award

Disability Sports Coach scooped the Community Partner award for their dedication to providing opportunities that enhance the lives of disabled people. The pan-disability club, is based in an accessible venue and open to all ages and also provides an inclusive opportunity for disabled people to volunteer and support their peers, giving a sense of self-worth and increasing social cohesion. 

Young Person of the Year

The Young Person of the Year award went to 11-year-old Rory who, after complications from Covid-19 is now type one diabetic. Despite this, today, Rory has regained a highly competitive level of football in the Chelsea FC development squad, is doing well at school and has organised with his brother a huge toy drive for the hospital which helped him to recover.

Power of Sport

PC Dean Burrows winning the Power of Sport award for his weekly football training for children and young adult groups over the last 18 months. The training has also been supported by additional pastoral care in the area.

Volunteer of the Year

Volunteer of the Year, Oktay Karel, highlighted the far-reaching impact his weekly walking groups had on older people, especially through the lockdowns, helping them when struggling with isolation and loneliness.

Disability Sports Person Award

Herne Mercier gained much independence and confidence through this time at Disability Gym and is able to safely operate the cardio and supported weights and progressed in his fitness. 
Herne has also attended Multisport for Disabled Adults in the last six months. He has shown the great improvement and is now assisting the instructor. He is working towards becoming more of a volunteer and is always keen to learn. 

Community Engagement Project Award

Co-winners Debate Mate and London Sports Trust spearheaded Debate Box, an initiative that focuses on the parallels between debating and boxing; students learn to debate rather than argue and to box rather instead of fighting. The partnership has improved young people’s physical, social and mental health as well as skills such as resilience, communication, discipline, confidence and critical thinking.

Sports Personality Award

Daniel Floyd was nominated for this award due to his consistency and commitment to creating a support system for the community. Not only in working hours but also out of hours. His work has been most valuable to the lives of many who walk into his professional care, from drug and alcohol abuse to mental health concerns and learning disabilities. 
He has remained a pillar of positivity with a  tremendous work ethic to match his charitable ambition. From leading physical activity sessions, shadowing apprentices and refining his work in a non-judgmental approach, he continues to remain a trusted confidant to those in his care and supports those in our community who feel isolated and detached.

Sports Organisation of the Year

Winner Open Age has significantly contributed to the lives of people over the age of 50 living in K&C for over 25 years by providing weekly physical activities. When thrown into lockdown in March 2020, Open Age hosted over 50 weekly physical activities on Zoom including ballet, boxing, chi gong, pilates, chair exercise. Over 230 local residents regularly took part in the physical activity offer during lockdown.

Outstanding Contribution

Aaron Bint took the award for his outstanding contribution to the borough, providing out of school trampoline sessions for children and young people with special educational needs. Trampolining is fantastic therapy, and Aaron makes it accessible so more people can enjoy the sport. Welcoming and caring to every individual at his club, he provides a safe environment for the children to learn, grow in confidence and flourish with no judgement. He is an inspiration to the community.

Sport and Physical Activity Legacy Award

The Wellbeing Walk Leaders, Simon Grantham, Svetlana Mills, Ewa Kingsleigh-Smith and Mike Bates are held every day on the Active for Life programme. The Wellbeing Walks were started almost 20 years ago, with Svetlana leading the first ever walk. Not only do they keep residents safe on guided walks, they are welcoming, reassuring and always engaging. Some of the walkers are over 90 years old, and the leaders ensure the social aspect of the walks is paramount, especially after Covid, and go above and beyond what is asked of them to look out for each other.

Watch Mark Foster discuss the evening and the impact of community on sport now. 

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for this year, each person highlighted how impactful community is for sport, whether it’s reaching a high level themselves, or supporting others to feel better mentally, physically and supported in looking after their health. 

Take a look at what’s on in Kensington and Chelsea that can help you take care of your health for less.