Participants from the Lord’s Taverners national disability cricket programme, Super 1s, met HRH the Duke of Edinburgh before being presented with awards by England men’s all-rounder Sam Curran and England Deaf and Mixed disability team all-rounder, Josh Price at the Lord’s Taverners Super 1s Awards Evening hosted at the Oval on 7 October.
The event delivered by the charity alongside long-term Super 1s programme partner, the Berkeley Foundation, recognises young people with a disability for their achievements and personal development in Super 1s over the previous year.
Award winners on the night were Hampshire Super 1s Coach Lucy Tillotson, and Super 1s participants Ravi Chahal (Northumberland), Matthew Clark (Hertfordshire) and Sebbie Hall (Staffordshire). Films covering their stories were shown at the event, where the audience included their families, representatives of the Lord’s Taverners, Berkeley Foundation and other guests.
All four winners have overcome challenges they did not think were possible before engaging with Super 1s. They are also positively impacting those around them by being strong role models for young people with a disability in their communities. Family and friends are witnessing their improved confidence and life skills in all aspects of life, as they look forward to a positive future.
Before the awards ceremony began Lord’s Taverners Patron, HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, witnessed a demonstration of the charity’s cricket programmes, including Super 1s, while meeting with participants before he met and congratulated all four award winners on their respective achievements.
The Duke’s patronage continues a long line of Royal support for the charity, following on from his father Prince Philip, The late Duke of Edinburgh, who became founding Patron and 12th man in 1950 – a role he held for 71 years.
The Duke, who along with his brother King Charles III has also been a President of the Taverners, is passionate about the positive impact and opportunity offered by sport and supporting the charity that uses cricket to empower and positively impact the lives of young people with a disability and from disadvantaged communities facing the challenges of inequality.
Inspire Award winner, Matthew Clark, said: “It’s amazing to win this award. Super 1s has helped give me another opportunity of playing something that I really enjoy. At my hub in Hertfordshire, I’m the only wheelchair user and it’s really helpful that they coach to your disability. Being one of the senior people, I can help other younger disabled people who are also going through difficulties and be a role model. I’m proud to have come through the disabilities I live with, I just like to help others not think about what they can’t do, but all of the things that you can do.”
Piers Clanford, Chairman, Berkeley Foundation: "The Super 1s celebrations evening is about recognising the talent, determination, and spirit of every young person who’s taken part in Super 1s this year.
“Super 1s creates safe and inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive, and it's a pleasure to see the impact it has on players and families. This year, the programme has delivered more than 1,600 sessions, helping participants build their confidence, find friendships and feel included. That’s not just impressive - it's transformational."
Chief Executive of the Lord’s Taverners, Mark Curtin, added: “Our Super 1s programme continues to have an incredible impact on young people with a disability and their families across the UK. The stories we’ve heard about tonight illustrate the importance of engaging in sport, as there’s nothing quite like it for providing young people with the skills they need to fulfill their potential in life. Congratulations to all four very worthy award winners, they are a credit to their families, Super 1s and they have all shown what you can achieve if given the opportunity to participate in a high-quality programme in a safe and inclusive community environment.
“On behalf of the charity, I’d like to thank the Berkeley Foundation for their continued support of the Super 1s programme. Our partnership with them and others, most notably the England & Wales Cricket Board, has been absolutely vital for over 12 years now, in ensuring we continue having a positive impact on so many participants and their families by empowering them through cricket.”
