The Elfrida Society celebrated at star-studded Sport Gives Back Awards
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The tireless efforts of The Elfrida Society from Islington to change the lives of others through sport have been recognised at the Sport Gives Back Awards in London.
The Elfrida Society was chosen by SportWorks to win the Community Group of the Year prize at the ceremony at Cadogan Hall in Chelsea. The award was presented by Ed Chamerblin and Jill Douglas MBE in front of a star-studded audience which included Dame Kelly Holmes, Sir Mo Farah, Lawrence Dallaglio, and Frank and Christine Lampard
John Newton from SportWorks explained why Elfrida Society was chosen for the award. He said: “The partnership between the Elfrida Society and SportWorks is crucial for promoting the health and wellbeing of adults with learning disabilities. By joining forces, we create opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities to engage in physical activity and sports, fostering not only physical health but also mental and emotional wellbeing.
Dolly Galvis said she was delighted to have been presented with the award: “SportWorks and The Elfrida Society collaboratively craft specialised programs that go beyond the bounds of traditional sports, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for every participant. While SportWorks delivers tailored expertise in adaptive sports, The Elfrida Society contributes an unparalleled understanding of the distinctive needs and challenges faced by adults with learning disabilities. Through our combined efforts, we establish a nurturing environment where individuals, irrespective of their abilities, can foster confidence, cultivate skills, and enjoy the many benefits of engaging in inclusive and enriching sports activities. This joint initiative stands as a testament to our commitment to enhancing the overall quality of life for those we serve and work alongside.”
The nation will be able to witness The Elfrida Society proud moment when the Sport Gives Back Awards are broadcast on ITV on Sunday, March 24. SportWorks is just one of eight charities which will be seen handing out awards on the programme, alongside Dallaglio RugbyWorks, Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, Greenhouse Sports, Invictus Games, Lord’s Taverners, Sported and Youth Sport Trust.
The show is hosted by Jeanette Kwakye and Josh Denzel, with comedy from Britain’s Got Talent finalist Daliso Chaponda.
Sponsored by The Co-operative Bank, the Sport Gives Back Awards is the brainchild of former international athlete Connie Henry MBE. She said: “Sport changed my life as a teenager. It gave me the stability, focus and opportunity I wouldn’t otherwise have had.
“When I retired from athletics, I set up Track Academy, a charity which supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in north London, where I grew up myself. Over the last 15 years, we have helped hundreds of students to succeed both on and off the track.”
She added: “Back in 2019, I realised that there was no platform where charities and organisations like ours could shout about the amazing work we do through sport. As a result, I decided to set up Sport Gives Back to celebrate those who use sport for social change.”
Richard Botchway, ITV Sport’s assistant commissioner, said: “We are looking forward to ITV broadcasting the Sport Gives Back Awards, highlighting the incredible impact and positive difference that sport has made in communities far and wide.”
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For more information, including details of all the charity winners, visit http://sportgivesback.trackacademy.co.uk