Deserving Winners in The Variety Club Disability Sports Awards

An exciting star studded event celebrated the first Variety Club Disability Sports Awards as the only annual national sports awards exclusively for disability sports. Held in October at Queens Hotel in Leeds and hosted by comedian and disability advocate Adam Hills MBE and Chief Executive Officer of GB Snowsport and Chair of British Surfing Vicky Gosling OBE, it made for an empowering evening with the main purpose of making the sporting world a more diverse and inclusive place.

Partners of the event included Channel 4, British Paralympics Association, England Gold, England Cricket Board, GBWR to help to spread the word of this important event, the remarkable individuals becoming the change they want to see and the valuable associations, projects and clubs changing numerous lives far and wide.

There were 10 worthy winners, nine of which were from prestigious awards categories like Sports Icon Award, Rising Star Award, Unsung Hero Award and Innovation Award. In addition to these, a tenth special achievement award was presented by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson to Kipp Popert for being the first golfer with a disability to qualify for the British Amateur Championship. Having endured ten major surgeries on his feet and legs after being born with cerebral palsy, Kipp is only at the start of what looks to be an exceptional sports career. ‘To receive this award is amazing. Leaving University I always wanted to be a sportsman, and Variety Golf saw what I was doing and offered their support. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I have without their help, as well as help from my family and my golf club. It’s a privilege to be supported by people who truly care.’ – Kipp Popert.

Reading the winner’s stories, about their passion, drive and determination and what they have overcome to do something they truly love or helping others to achieve that, was incredible and they are such well-deserved winners! Finalists were shortlisted by Variety’s expert nominations committee, following public nominations.

For Those With The Biggest Hearts

These brushed gold plated aluminium heart shape awards had a great weighty finish and were the perfect awards for this event. Variety The Children’s Charity’s logo is a heart so that was important to the client, they also looked bold and eye-catching in the winners’ photos. We hope each time they look at their awards, they feel proud of all they achieved to win one.

“Collaborating with EFX on our heart-shaped award design was an incredible journey. The final design not only captured the essence of Variety’s brand but also paid homage to our rich history with a nod to the iconic Silver Heart awards from the 50s and 60s.” -Variety The Children’s Charity.

See more of the deserving winners here