Achievement in Sport Award
Achievement in Sport winner Ismail Saleh won for building up a Leicester martial arts club which now has 900 students, many of whom win gold medals at UK, European and world championships. The club, unusually in martial arts a not-for-profit enterprise, is used by an astonishing 480 girls and women, and by Muslims, Hindus, Christians and people of other and no faiths. Ismail said: “Our club gives members an opportunity to take part in sport and learn discipline, respect, health and fitness. As well as helping to tackle anti-social behaviour in Leicester, our club gives members the opportunity to represent their country on an international stage.” He donated his prize to Wishes 4 Kids and the Lord Mayor of Leicester’s Appeal for the 2009 Special Olympic Games.