16 March 2024
On March 21st The Black Prince Trust will be attending the prestigious London Sport Awards at Guildhall with high hopes where our Seniors Programme “PASIO” – Physical Activity and Social Inclusion for Over 55s – is nominated for the Health & Wellbeing Award.
We will be aiming for an awards double of sorts as our partners Nike & Jordan are also recognised for their incredible work supporting BPT with a nomination in the Business Contribution Award which celebrates the valuable contribution of businesses in providing sponsorship, support, and resources which enable community physical activity and sport to thrive in London.
Our Seniors Programme offers a range of daily activities, such as Walking Football, Yoga, Resistance Band Classes, Table Tennis, and SOCA Dance. These run both at our own Black Prince Trust Community Sports Hub in Kennington and across Lambeth, including Brixton and Streatham.
As well as offering accessible, high-quality and age-appropriate coaching during suitable daytime hours, participants also enjoy post-session socials in our community café including tea and toast; getting to know each other, socialising and bonding as a group. For many people who were among the most vulnerable in society during the Covid lockdowns, providing a sense of belonging and camaraderie is just as important as getting them moving to prevent growing isolation in old age.
The Community Fridge supported by Felix Project donations – which gives away food provisions twice per week- is well appreciated by our seniors’ participants, and the Christmas Lunch where we bring them all together for a festive cooked lunch in our community café, is a huge annual highlight for many. As much as our participants enjoy the physical activities, we are very proud of the positive and friendly culture we have developed and the strong bonds we have cultivated between those who have been attending the sessions over a long period of time.
BPT’s Health and Wellbeing Project Lead Beverley de Valmency said:
“We are delighted London Sport have recognised and short-listed our Seniors’. Comprising over 16 weekly sessions and a diverse community of approaching 500 members from right across Lambeth; in the last three years this has grown into something incredibly special. Many thanks go to City Bridge Foundation for the 5-year funding, without which none of this would be possible. Keep moving, and don’t let the armchair get you!”
BPT are hugely grateful to City Bridge Foundation who have kindly funded the programme since its inception in 2019 and have been hugely supportive of BPT in developing and growing the programme to have the maximum possible impact.
Giles Shilson, City Bridge Foundation Chairman, said: “We’re proud to have been able to support Black Prince Trust’s PASIO project.
“It has had a powerful impact in empowering older people in Lambeth to boost their physical and mental health by coming together to get active and to enjoy the benefits of social interaction.”
We would also like to wish Nike & Jordan the best of luck in the Business and Contribution Award, which acknowledges their immense contribution to basketball programmes at The Black Prince Trust over many years, and in the last 12 months especially.
Jordan Brand commented: “Securing a spot in the London Sports Awards’ Business Contribution shortlist is a major win for Jordan Brand and our commitment to community impact. Our partnership with community basketball partners in London has powered basketball programs, fueled coach training, and ignited transformative community events. The recent upgrades at the Black Prince Trust Hub are just one example of our dedication to developing spaces that nurture growth. Beyond the game, we’re cultivating positive role models, hosting impactful events like Future Forward – a celebration of Black History Month in the UK – and driving social development. This nomination isn’t just about recognition; it’s a testament to our shared mission to elevate communities through the power of sport and development.”
BPT CEO Richard Joyce said “Nike and Jordan have for years been hugely valuable partners to BPT. They have helped us to develop high class basketball facilities; covered the cost of facility hire for multiple partners to provide free-to-user community sessions, and enabled training for more than 30 local coaches and officials. They would be worthy winners of this award and we will be rooting for them on the night!”