LYG were centre stage at the London Sport Awards 2021, supported by the City of London Corporation, which took place at London’s Guildhall on Monday 6 December.

This year’s awards celebrated individuals and organisations that have made a positive impact in grassroots physical activity and sport during the pandemic.

The ceremony was hosted by Olympian, broadcaster and former London Youth Games competitor Jeanette Kwakye MBE.

London Youth Games supported the Volunteer of the Year Award, recognising the immense contribution made by volunteers to deliver sport in the capital over a challenging period, coinciding with the pandemic.

The winner was Nahimul Islam of Tower Hamlets, who helped 500 young people by delivering over 6,000 meals to people who needed food and has provided essential technology and equipment to help people with physical activity and education.

LYG Chief Executive Andy Dalby-Welsh and LYG ambassador Zoe Smith were on hand to present the award. Afterwards, Nahimul Islam said: “It feels surreal to win this award and completely unexpected, everyone in the category deserved to win.

“It’s amazing to be supported by my team who have always enabled me to do what I do and always believe in my vision.”

LYG were also shortlisted in the Young Londoner’s Award, in association with Sported, which was awarded to Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT). CACT created Covid-19 safe sport and physical activity programmes that helped more than 4,000 young people in a time where physical and social activity is lacking.

Afterwards, Jeanette Kwakye MBE said: “A huge congratulations to all the winners of the London Sport Awards. It has been a huge pleasure to host and be a part of the wonderful evening.

“This is a true celebration of the amazing people and organisations that have given so much dedication to community sport in London, throughout the pandemic, and helped to benefit so many lives. It makes me so proud to be a Londoner.”

London Sport Chair Jillian Moore, who sat as chair of the London Sport Awards judging panel, concluded: “Every single one of these nominees, winners or not, are an inspiration and all should be immensely proud.

“Sport and physical activity, for many has been a saving grace during the pandemic, in what has been a very difficult year. “It is so moving to hear the powerful stories and messages of each of our winners and we are all grateful for their contributions to the community.”

Lord Mayor of the City of London Vincent Keaveny added: “It was fantastic to see the breadth and diversity of projects delivered by sports organisations across the capital. These schemes have played such an important role during the pandemic in helping people stay fit, healthy and happy.”