Birmingham’s unsung heroes of community sport were thrust into the spotlight at a special celebration ceremony.
Brummie netball icon Ama Agbeze MBE hosted Sport Birmingham’s Community Celebration Awards which championed those who harness sport as a catalyst for better physical health, wellbeing and outcomes in life. Five outstanding organisations and individuals were honoured at the Edgbaston Stadium ceremony, which formed part of Sport Birmingham’s tenth anniversary celebrations.
Ama, who famously captained Team England to netball gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia, said it was ‘an absolute pleasure’ to host the event. She said: “The evening was a testament to the outstanding dedication and achievements of individuals and organisations across Birmingham, showcasing the powerful impact sport and physical activity can have on our communities.
“I was truly inspired by the stories shared and feel honoured to have been part of such a special event with Sport Birmingham." Guests on the night included community organisations, system partners, local authorities, sponsors, and former Sport Birmingham colleagues.
After a lively warm-up by Perry the Bull and a welcome from Sport Birmingham Chair Mark Taylor, local dance group Eloquent Dance got the awards off to a spectacular start with a performance reminiscent of their dazzling display at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Tom McIntosh, Operations Director at Sport Birmingham, said: "It was a great evening celebrating 10 years of Sport Birmingham and recognising the great people and organisations across Birmingham who have contributed so much to sport and physical activity.
“We look forward to establishing this as part of the city calendar; shining a light on the great work that goes on.” The Community Impact Award, which received the highest number of nominations across all categories, was awarded to Our Community Foundation, based at The Custard Factory.
Ciara Kelly, Insight, Learning and Communications Manager at Sport Birmingham, said: “Through their initiatives, they’ve made a real difference to the lives of over 10,000 young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“By encouraging participation in sport and physical activity, they have helped improve the mental health of many in the community, fostering resilience and a stronger sense of belonging.” Zain Khan took home the Inspirational Story Award in recognition of his heart-warming journey from volunteering at local camps to creating community projects and mentoring the next generation of youth workers.
“His dedication to sports and community development has positively impacted countless young lives in Birmingham,” Ciara added. The Innovation and Creativity Award went to Pitch 2 Progress for their Midnight Ramadan League, organised in partnership with Saltley Stallions FC, while a special Recognition Award was presented to former Aston Villa Chief Executive Paul Faulkner in honour of eight years’ dedicated service as Chair of Sport Birmingham.
The awards were followed by a star-studded Q&A hosted by Ama. Rower Lauren Rowles MBE, a three-time Paralympic gold medal winner, was joined by Paralympic sprinter and long-jumper Maddie Down and Commonwealth Games basketballer Orlan Jackman in sharing stories of success and what the city of Birmingham meant to them.
In early 2025, Sport Birmingham is set to launch the Business Ninja Games, in partnership with Ninja Warrior UK, which sponsored the award’s welcome drinks. Dan Smith, Sport Birmingham’s Senior Partnerships Manager – Business Development, said: “This fun and active event is designed for the business community to come together, get moving and enjoy some friendly competition.” To find out more about the awards, and for the full list of winners, visit https://sportbirmingham.org/community-celebration-awards.
