I
had the honour of being invited to the HITZ Awards 2014 last night.
I
wasn’t sure what to expect on arrival at Barclays Headquarters in
Canary Wharf but this event exceeded my expectations, as I witnessed
a remarkable evening hosted by Nick Mullins and David Flatman;
rewarding the success of our young people, involved in the HITZ Rugby
programme, in an honest and open environment.
If
you’re unfamiliar with the HITZ programme, it’s delivered
nationally by Premiership Rugby and is funded by national partners
Barclays, Comic Relief, Land Rover and Wooden Spoon Charity. It aims
to work with 3,000 young people yearly, tackling some of the greatest
challenges facing adolescents today – unemployment, crime and
disillusionment. HITZ uses rugby to increase young people's
resilience, self-reliance and confidence. It gives them the skills to
get back into education, vocational training, apprenticeships and
employment.
I
met three fantastic and passionate HITZ officers in the interactive
activity area; Andrew Arter (London Irish), Helen Chu (Gloucester
Rugby) and Joe Brown (Newcastle Falcons), who all explained their
roles to me; roles that require the qualities of patience, motivation
and real care. I was left humbled by their dedication and commitment
to these young adults and I commend them for giving back to their
community and the young people they work with. It genuinely was an
honour to meet them.
From
the moment I arrived to the moment I left … and still now, I’ve
been thinking it was the perfect event to share and celebrate both
the experiences of the young people on the programme and the HITZ
officers who mentor them.
Phil
Vickery set the scene nicely after awarding Ryan
Cummings (Leicester Tigers) the Community Impact Award, supported by
Wooden Spoon;
“Rugby
is a warm sport, a giving sport…making friends for life. We are
leading the way with this type of work.”
I
understand there can only be one winner per category but in terms of
the development of individuals, the HITZ programme should be
applauded for being the tool that’s enabling young adults to
genuinely change their lives.
Thank
you HITZ Rugby for a phenomenal, eye opening evening.
Emotions
were definitely running high, especially when the Young Ambassador of
the Year Award - supported by Land Rover - was awarded to Jorden
Honan (Bath Rugby). He said;
“… last
year was totally different to what it is now. I didn't have a stable
home.”
And
Land Rover Ambassador Jason Robinson, emphasised the importance of
what sport, particularly rugby, has done for him;
“I
know what rugby has done for me and given me something to focus on.”
Winner
of the Best Rugby Performer Award - supported by Premiership Rugby -
was Jason Suttle (Bath Rugby) and when Mr Mullins asked Jason what he
loves about rugby? He answered;
“It
made me feel like the same person I was again, back at school.”
The
lack of a healthy routine was preventing Jason from participating in
sport until the Hitz programme gave him a new found love of the gym
and rugby in particular. What an achievement to go on and win this
award!
And
the awards didn’t stop there. The HITZ Champion Award - supported
by Comic Relief -went to Dan Hart (Worcester Warriors). He mentored
and has continued to guide Nathan Collins, who said;
“Without
him (Dan) I wouldn't be here today. Without him, I wouldn't be able
to do this today, he taught me life skills, I'm proud of him for
doing it for me.”
At
this point, I was very emotional. It hit home just how much this
programme has achieved and it was an absolute privilege to witness
these testaments. And as if that wasn’t enough, the winner of the
Young Achiever of the Year Award - supported by Barclays - Relon
Thompson, stole my heart showing the courage and determination that
goes hand in hand with an incredible personality;
“I'm
ready, I've turned into the person I am now. I've become a leader
through HITZ.”
Relon
is paralysed from the waist down after being shot.
Then
a fitting finale befitting such a positive evening, a stunning
performance by singer Jermain Jackman; he just lit up the room with
his voice.
HITZ,
you’ve set out to develop young people and what you’ve achieved
is sensational – may the success and support of young individuals
continue.
THANK
YOU!
