Benson Community Project Honoured at Regional Awards Ceremony

A community project in Smethwick in the Black Country, has been recognised for the impact it has made to local residents, after being named among the winners of the prestigious West Midlands Community Sports Awards 2017.

Benson Community Project provide a high standard of activity for boys, girls, ladies, men and those with a disability, and was named Community Impact winner at a special ceremony at the University of Birmingham last night (7 December), hosted by Mary Rhodes from BBC Midlands.

The West Midlands Community Sports Awards highlight the power of sport by recognising sports clubs, projects and individuals that have made a difference in their local community.

Benson Community Project has engaged over 1000+ residents in Smethwick with different activities. They have worked with Smethwick Police to effectively reduce youth crime and have successfully signposted young people at risk to mainstream employment and over 60 young people have joined an affiliated football team. Paul & Erroll are there 50 weeks a year, 6 days a week and have inspired so many to take part, and become a valuable member of their community.

The project was joined on stage by other winners from across the region including a 15 year old gold winning boxer and a cheerleading coach from Telford.

Deborah Williams, Chair of Active Black Country, said:

This is a fantastic achievement for Benson Community Project which was up against some stiff competition from across the West Midlands region and I am delighted for everyone involved with the Project. Once again the standard of competition was exceptional and it was so rewarding to see the sheer number of people doing great things in our region for themselves and for others through the power of sport.”

The West Midlands Community Sports Awards is run by the six County Sports Partnerships across the region; Active Black Country; Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire Sport; Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin; Sport Across Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent; Sport Birmingham; and Sports Partnership Herefordshire & Worcestershire.

The full list of winners are:

Community Club Award: Luctonians Sports and Rugby club
This award recognises a community sports club that provides a high quality sports environment for its members.

Community Impact Award: Benson Community Project
This award recognises an innovative project which uses sport and physical activity to improve and enhance the quality of life of the people in the Community.

Community Coach of the Year: Rachael Swinnerton (Cheerforce 10)
This award recognises the achievements of a paid or unpaid coach who has made a significant impact on those they have coached and is committed to providing more opportunities for people to start, stay and succeed in sport.

Aspiring Talent Award: Elise Glynn
This award recognises a young person who has progressed and excelled in their sport and is a positive role model to others.

Power of Sport Award: Kathryn Stanworth
This award recognises an individual whose life has significantly changed and improved through adopting a more active lifestyle.

BBC Midlands Sports Unsung Hero Award: Frank O'Sullivan

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