Inspirational Young Person of the Year rewards an individual 25-years-old or younger who has made a significant impact in the grassroots physical activity and sport sector in London.
This award recognises the young people who are achieving incredible things through their work, voluntary or paid, within their local community, club, team, group, project or organisation.
Their courageous and/or innovative approach inspires and encourages other children and young people or adults to overcome barriers and participate more regularly in physical activity and sport.
The Inspirational Young Person of the Year may have overcome difficult personal circumstances but allows nothing to prevent them from supporting others, showing a maturity and understanding beyond their young years.
The shortlist for 2020 is:
Nahimul Islam
Nahimul, 24, launched his own football club at the age of 16, providing resources to young people to get involved with coaching as well as delivering multi sports programmes to his local community. For those that do not want to play sport, he has helped to support their efforts to move into coaching or volunteering.
Xahir Durant
Xahir, 16, has shown a true commitment to physical activity and sport as a role model in an alternative provision school in Southwark. He took part in work experience as PE teacher developing students skills with a great attitude to learning and helping others.
Vanessa Nsilu
Aged 25, Vanessa has been a part of Barking Salvation Army for over 15 years. During that time, she has fundraised to set up a youth club, organised residential trips to sporting facilities and set up a dance class for young people. She is also the Vice Chair of Barking Sports 4 Change.
Nomination Criteria:
Nominees should demonstrate some or all of the following:
- Be 25-years-old or younger on 1 January 2020.
- An exceptional commitment to grassroot physical activity and sport in London whether that is with children and young people or adults.
- A real difference to the physical activity and sport offer within the community, club, team, group or project in which they operate, either through paid employment or voluntarily.
