Teign teens shine at awards

The Youth Sport Trust’s Young Changemaker Awards 2024 took centre stage at Tobacco Dock, London, on World Children’s Day (November 20th), celebrating the transformative power of sport.

Sporting icons, including Sir Mo Farah CBE, led the celebrations, presenting awards to young individuals who have harnessed sport to change lives in the UK and beyond.

Among the winners were Tegan and Madeleine, students from Teign School, who received the Inspirational Female Leader Award for their exceptional efforts to encourage girls’ participation in sport.

Presented by England Roses legend Ama Agbeze, the award recognised the local teens' innovative leadership through the Youth Sport Trust’s Girls Active programme, funded by Sport England and the National Lottery.

Tegan and Madeleine’s achievements include organising a Primary School Flight and Gymnastics Festival, running a self-created dance club, and advocating for healthier canteen options.

Their efforts have inspired their peers, including SEND pupils, demonstrating that sport and leadership are for everyone, regardless of ability or background.

Earlier in the day, Sir Mo Farah CBE delivered a letter to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, urging the UK Government to implement a new national plan ensuring every child has the opportunity to be physically active daily.

Signed by several British sporting icons, including Dame Sarah Storey and Adam Peaty OBE, the letter emphasized the urgency of addressing declining physical activity levels among children.

Accompanied by a powerful film launched by the Youth Sport Trust, the campaign highlights the long-term benefits of play and sport, from improving mental health to fostering life skills such as teamwork and resilience.

Sir Mo Farah stated, “Sport changed my life, and I want every child to have that same chance. We need to act now before it’s too late.”

Other inspiring winners at the awards included Luca, honoured as Young Health Champion for his resilience in returning to sport after a brain tumour, and Lily, awarded the Young Activist Award for her advocacy for neurodiversity in sport. Internationally, Solomon received the International Young Leader Award for coaching cricket to young refugees in Lebanon, showcasing the global reach of the charity’s mission.

A video played at the event captured the stories of these changemakers, shining a spotlight on their transformative journeys and the impact of sport on their lives. It served as a reminder of the critical role sport plays in building brighter futures and uniting communities worldwide.

Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, praised the young leaders, stating, “These young changemakers embody the power of sport to build brighter futures, happier schools, and healthier communities. They inspire us all to continue creating opportunities that empower young people.”

The Youth Sport Trust, founded in 1995, remains at the forefront of promoting health and wellbeing through sport, reaching millions of children annually and inspiring the next generation of changemakers.