One of the daily themes for National Inclusion Week is ‘The Power of Recognition’ which is all about identifying and empowering those around us who are creating inclusive cultures every day.
Across the regional ONE Awards celebrations over summer, eight individuals and / or organisations received Inclusion Awards to celebrate the work they’ve done – and continue to do.
This could be through the introduction of initiatives removing barriers to participation for individuals or communities who may not have previously accessed netball opportunities, or engaging with not-for-profit and other cause related organisations.
They may also have provided opportunities and / or sought to address diversity in the administration and governance of our sport e.g. through Youth Advisory and Board diversity.
A big shout out and thank you to our regional winners for the incredible work they’re doing in their communities.
- Lyndsey Barrett (East) – setting up her own organisation to help tackle equalities with a focus on disability, long term illness and dementia
- London Pulse Netball Club (London and South East) – committing to diversifying netball’s fanbase and increasing its accessibility by partnering with the charity Metro Blind Sport
- Claire Iles (North East) – supporting her netball club as Inclusion Secretary, setting up Walking Netball and provisions to support those in low socio economic environments
- Uma Ramanathan (North West) – introducing the first affiliated netball club in a community where ethnic diversity and poverty co-exist
- Trevor George (South) – introducing and delivering Walking Netball to the Isle of Wight to support women of all ages, disabilities and challenging life experiences
- Kathryn Pearn (South West) – introducing Walking Netball and Back to Netball for a wide range of ages, as well as raising money to ensure affordability of the sessions
- Sports Key (West Midlands) – focusing on the inclusion of women of colour within their communities and bridging the gap between age ranges
- Nadera Amini (Yorkshire) – supporting isolated groups, specifically girls and women from minority groups and single mothers, with physical activity sessions, mental health and language barriers
The regional winners will now go through to the National Judging Panel, chaired by EN President Joan Mills MBE.
The national celebration, in partnership with Vitality, will take place on Saturday 5 November at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham.
