Volunteer of the Year Award in association with Sport England

Описание: Volunteer of the Year celebrates the outstanding contribution of volunteers to grassroots physical activity and sport; individuals who share their knowledge, passion and skills and give their time generously.

The Volunteer of the Year Award celebrates those people that support grassroots physical activity and sport with their know-how, dedication and hands-on approach. The volunteers we’ll be celebrating gladly give up their time for the benefit of people in every borough in every corner of the capital.

WINNER: Maryam Chowdhury – Maryam, is the 26 year old founder of Beyond the Bias. She is a passionate advocate for integrating physical activity with mental health support, driven by her personal journey with depression. Over the past year, she has worked tirelessly to design impactful programmes that reached over 400 young people, providing 12,000 warm meals, 500 hours of free activities, and 200 hours of talking therapies. Her initiatives, which include diverse activities like boxing, skateboarding, and neurodivergent climbing, create inclusive spaces for ethnic minority women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and young people facing mental health challenges. Maryam also launched the Sports Apprenticeship Programme, helping ethnic minority young people gain industry qualifications and paid work experience, with 75% securing long-term employment. The impact of her work is clear, with 85% of female participants reporting increased physical activity and 80% experiencing improved mental health. Through her dedication, Maryam has created transformative opportunities for young people, providing them with the tools to thrive.

FINALISTS:
Zain Rahman – At 17, Zain Rahman is a transformative figure in his community, balancing A-level studies with a deep commitment to grassroots sports and youth leadership. Starting his journey at Ekota as a participant in under-12s football, Zain progressed to become a qualified coach and Chief Programme Coordinator for Ekota’s Summer Programme. He now coaches under-15s football, fostering teamwork, perseverance, and respect among players from disadvantaged backgrounds. Zain also serves as Assistant Manager for the under-12s Sunday league, where he mentors players, combining technical training with personal development. In 2024, Zain’s leadership during the Summer Programme earned him the “2024 Coordinator of the Year” award, and he continued as Lead Coach for the winter holiday programme, further enhancing Ekota’s offerings. His charismatic, approachable leadership has made him a role model for staff, parents, and children, helping foster a sense of community pride through his work with the Heritage Programme. Zain’s journey from participant to leader showcases his resilience, creativity, and dedication to empowering others.

Matthew Wing – Matthew Wing has been a volunteer ambassador for Move Against Cancer for over three years, supporting individuals impacted by cancer to engage in physical activity. He founded the 5K Your Way group in Nonsuch, Sutton, and expanded his role to Regional Volunteer Ambassador for London, helping other groups thrive. Despite his own battle with stage 3 bowel cancer, Matthew’s passion for inclusion and his dedication to creating supportive communities have inspired countless people to join the 5K Your Way initiative, fostering a strong peer network for those living with and beyond cancer. His tireless efforts include connecting groups, building partnerships like with The Royal Marsden Cancer Alliance, and leading community events such as the World Cancer Day meet-up at Bushy Park. Matthew’s leadership has been pivotal in growing the movement across London, with his infectious enthusiasm and personal commitment making a tangible difference in the lives of many. His unwavering support and advocacy have made a significant impact, cementing his role as a driving force for good.
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