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Toxteth teen wins bronze at
the National Sportivate Awards
TOXTETH'S Kusqaum Adam, has taken bronze in Sport
England’s 'Sportivate Participant of the Year Awards', in recognition of her
contribution and outstanding commitment to sport. The award was presented in
London by the Minister for Sport, Tracey Crouch MP and Paralympic super star
Dame Sarah Storey.
Having recently moved to Toxteth, 15 year old Kusqaum wouldn’t have described
herself as a traditionally sporty person. That all changed when she started
attending skating sessions at the Wheels Extreme Rolla Fitness project. Learning
to skate has helped Kusqaum not only become active, but it has boosted her
self-confidence and helped her make lots of new friends. Through the
encouragement, support and guidance from the project, Kusqaum has also become a
regular member of the local youth board, helping to make decisions on youth
issues for the wider community.
Sportivate aims to give young people, like Kusqaum who weren’t playing sport
previously, the opportunity to discover a new sport of their choice. Once the
Sportivate sessions have been completed, the youngsters are then helped to find
a club or venue where they can continue to be active.
Since its launch, more than 780,000 young people have attended six to eight
weekly Sportivate sessions, with over 650,000 completing their coaching
sessions. Sportivate is being delivered by a network of 44 county sports
partnerships, working with local clubs and providers. Over 80% of the young
people surveyed reported that they are still taking part in sport three months
after their Sportivate session had ended.
Accepting the award, Kusqaum Adam, said:- "The Sportivate Wheels Extreme
Rolla Fitness project has given me the chance to get fit and meet other people
my age that I've got stuff in common with. It's also helped me get the chance to
help other people too by doing some voluntary work. It's amazing to think how
different my life is now compared to before I started with Wheels Extreme.”
Speaking on behalf of Merseyside Sports Partnership, who facilitate funding
within the county, Director, Jean Stephens said:- "I'm delighted that this
Sportivate award has come to Merseyside. It's a great example of how sport and
physical activity can have an impact, not only on individuals, but also in terms
of benefiting the wider community too."
Sport England’s Director for Community Sport, Mike Diaper, said:-
“Starting a new sport can be a nerve racking experience, but thanks to the
support of Wheels Extreme Rolla Fitness, Kusqaum has been able to find an
activity she enjoys. Kusqaum journey is testament to the valuable role
Sportivate plays in encouraging young people to get outside their comfort zone,
and tap into their sporting potential.”
Minister for Sport, Tracey Crouch said:- "These awards are a fantastic
acknowledgement of the huge contribution our young people and community groups
have made to the success of Sportivate. The inspirational winners are doing
amazing things across a range of sports and it is right that we celebrate their
wonderful achievements." |
