The London Sport Awards, taking place at Wembley Stadium on the evening of 8 March 2018, are the biggest celebration of grassroots sport in the capital. Buy your tickets to join us.
Our only individual Award at the London Sport Awards, Volunteer of the Year celebrates those that support grassroots sport with their knowledge, passion and skills, giving their time freely for the benefit of tens of thousands of people.
From an incredibly competitive nominations pool, a final shortlist of three volunteers have been announced as in the running for the Volunteer of the Year Award. Here’s a little more about the nominees and the sponsor for the category.
Davies Sports
Davies Sports is a PE and Sport equipment supplier that is passionate about promoting physical activity for all ages and abilities. From exploring movement in play, through learning about a range of sports and activities, to a love of competition and achieving personal bests. They are committed to providing high quality equipment and resources for every stage, plus advice and guidance supported by leading sport and education experts. Ensuring you have the resources you need to develop every child’s potential. Whether you are preparing to play, learn or compete Davies Sports are with you every step of the way. Find out more here.
Adrian Klemens
Nominated by Peter Keleher, Adrian Klemens is a volunteer in Haringey. An average day for Adrian is his day job, wife and three children, but alongside this also manages to run the Dynamic Sports Academy (DSA). Adrian founded DSA in 2007 and educates thousands of Londoners through strength and speed training, nutrition, sports psychology, performance vision and more.
Peter said, “Adrian spends countless hours not only running sessions, but planning them, working with parents, working with athletes and supporting them in any way he can. Many come from broken homes and need a positive role model which he provides. He is an inspirational man and leader and great deserves recognition for the work he does.”
Mel Hudson
Nominated by Claire Shevlin, Mel Hudson volunteers at Slade Green Knights Football Club in Bexleyheath. Mel set up the club in 2015 because there were no junior or senior teams playing in the area. Despite not having a coaching background Mel wasn’t deterred and simply was a mum with children who wanted to play football. She then went on to complete her coaching qualifications and began setting up the club, determining to make a positive contribution and chance in the community.
Mel does a lot of work in the background for the club, from sourcing kits, to volunteers, managers, coaches, which resulted in the club playing their first year of affiliated football.
Claire said, “Mel continues to inspire, motivate and most importantly listen to all. She gives her community a feeling of pride and so much more. Mel is fundamental to the development of grassroots football for all ages in Slade Green.”
Omar Shariff
Omar juggles voluntary roles with Disability Sports Coach, Black Prince Trust, Redbridge CVS, alongside studying for his Counselling level two qualification. Omar goes above and beyond to expand his skills and knowledge to be the most effective coach he can be, as well as undertaking courses understanding health improvement and counselling to gain knowledge in a wider set of skills outside of the traditional sports focus.
Despite having a disability himself, Omar doesn’t let this affect his progression and through hard work and dedication was successful in securing a full-time paid role as a Community Coach for Disability Sports Coach working across 22 Boroughs.
Omar said, “my reason for wanting to work within the voluntary sector and for people from different backgrounds stems from how I was treated as a youngster with a disability. I felt the need to help others overcome these barriers in their life.”
We wish all three of our shortlisted nominees the very best of luck on the night.
