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| Photo Credit: Action Images/ Craig Broughlivepic |
LONDON, UK, September
15, 2011 - The
first winner of the August Barclays Community Sports Award, and the first of
the 2011/12 season, is Otis Roberts, Chief Executive of the Jason Roberts
Foundation, based in London.
The Foundation, created by Blackburn striker
Jason Roberts, aims to provide opportunities for young people in the UK and the
Caribbean to participate in structured sporting activity - to improve health
and fitness, self-esteem, confidence and social inclusion.
The Barclays Community Sports Award is in its
second season and will be awarded each month through the season, just like the
awards for the Barclays Player and Manager of the Month Awards. The award aims
to demonstrate the outstanding contributions to grassroots sports that are
being made by individuals and groups up and down the country, at the same time
as those in the professional game are being recognised for their achievements.
Former England and Barclays Premier League player Gareth Southgate is chair of
the judging panel for the second consecutive year.
Otis Roberts is the driving force behind the
Jason Roberts Foundation, giving up his time and dedicating his energy over the
last four years into engaging the youngsters in London with training and
volunteering schemes.
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| Photo Credit: Action Images/ Craig Broughlivepic |
Roberts’ energy and enthusiasm has created an
environment where young people in the area can thrive through sport. Recent
initiatives have included the Respect Brent Programme and the Jason Roberts
Football Club where youngsters between 5 and 14 are able to get free football
training, and become part of football teams during the summer holidays and at
weekends to give them productive activities to do in their spare time. .
Otis Roberts said: "I'm so pleased to be
awarded the Barclays Community Sports Award by Barclays Spaces for Sports, the
Football Foundation and Premier League Creating Chances. The work that we do in
the community for our young members is vital and it's fantastic to have our
work recognised in this way. I’d like to thank our partners and all the people
who have got involved over the years for their continued support.”
Gareth Southgate said, “I’m delighted to be
back on the judging panel for the Barclays Community Sports Award, and to
announce Otis Roberts as the first winner of this season. What Otis has created
in his community is a safe-haven for young people who are at risk of suffering
from social exclusion or crime. His achievements are an inspiration to us all.”
The Barclays Community Sports Award is
delivered in partnership
between Barclays Spaces for Sports, the Premier League’s Creating Chances
programme and the Football Foundation.
Each monthly winner will receive £1,000 for
their group or organisation, a limited edition trophy and will be entered into
the end of season award to win a further £5,000, all donated by Barclays Spaces
for Sports. The end of season award winner will also receive a VIP trip to
London to receive their award from Gareth Southgate.
To nominate a person, group or organisation for the Barclays
Community Sports Award of the Month simply visit www.barclayscommunitysportsaward.com
-ENDS-
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT LEXIS
SPORT AND ENTERTAINMENT:
LUCY MCGETTIGAN - +00 44 (0)207 908 6435 lmcgettigan@lexispr.com
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