On 12th October, the Variety Disability Sports Awards were hosted at Soho Place in West End London. The evening shed the spotlight on notable achievements and wins in the world of disability sport. From elite athletes competing on the world stage, to the individuals and organisations breaking down barriers for more inclusive opportunities across the UK, the ceremony celebrated the importance of accessibility and the life-changing impact that sport can have.
Variety, the Children’s Charity, aids one of the UK’s most vulnerable youth groups. Disabled young people from low-income households can be deeply isolated from receiving fair opportunities to sports. By fostering practical access, and ensuring a lasting difference,
Variety reminds us that disability is never a barrier to participation. All of this is reflected in the extraordinary breadth of talent, dedication and commitment recognised throughout the evening.
Our very own Loughborough University was among this year’s inspiring winners, receiving the WeFix Award for Accessible Sport for All. This award highlights the vital role that educational institutions play in creating opportunities, encouraging participation and making sport more inclusive.
Yas, Graham and Alastair from Loughborough University shared their thoughts on the win and the importance of the university’s work in making sport accessible to all.
Yas said:
“I think it’s a great honour to tell the world about how much Loughborough has done for me as a para-athlete. To see Loughborough recognised for all the exceptional work it does is amazing. The staff and students working in this space are fantastic, so to see them all recognised is absolutely brilliant.”
Graham added:
“I’m just incredibly proud to be here this evening on behalf of all our students. There’s so much amazing work happening across the university, giving disabled people the opportunity to take part in sport, regardless of their background.”
Alastair said:
“I’m surprised and absolutely delighted. We’re really fortunate to have Yas and Graham here tonight, but there are so many more people involved. We’re lucky to have such a large sports department, helping people achieve their dreams, whether that’s winning Paralympic gold medals or simply taking their first steps into sport.”
Nominees of athletes ranged in age from just 13 upwards. Melanie Woods received the Fiona Anderson Award for Rising Star, celebrating their achievements in para-athletics and recognising an exciting talent in disabilitysport. Richard Whitehead MBE, one of the UK’s most celebrated Paralympic athletes and a longstanding champion of disability inclusion, received the Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement, while Matthew Knoesen was also recognised in the category for his achievements in tennis.
In a surprise moment on the night, Thomas Young, the Paralympic sprint champion, was presented with the Sports Icon Award, recognising his outstanding achievements in athletics and his impact on disability sport. Young, who attended the ceremony as a presenter, was unaware that he would be receiving the award himself, making the presentation a special highlight of the evening.
Further information can be found on https://www.variety.org.uk/ or @varietygb on socials.
