Community Foundation Chasing Parliamentary Hat-trick

The Foundation is up for three awards at the prestigious ceremony held in London, with the Eagle and Spectrum Projects shortlisted in the PLAY and BREAKTHRU categories respectively, while volunteer Nino Genua is up for the Volunteer of the Year gong.

Chief community officer, Ben Breeze said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for three Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Awards and the Community Foundation is looking forward to making the trip to London on Thursday.

“It is fantastic recognition for the work that the Foundation carries out, helping to change the lives of some of the most disadvantaged young people in our communities."

Nino is a young person with downs syndrome and severe learning difficulties who has always challenged the social norm by putting himself very much in the public face of all that he does.

He has completed over 45 hours voluntary work experience, not only impacting on upward of 335 members of Bristol Rugby, but has enabled a growing number of young people with special education needs to be brave and confident enough to step forward and take on new opportunities.

Bristol Rugby’s Spectrum Project has helped people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities throughout Greater Bristol take part in sport, leisure and personal development within school settings and regular curriculum time.

Eagle Project increased participation in the girls and ladies’ game in Bristol by engaging with those not traditionally involved in sports at carefully chosen secondary schools using innovative methods and creating partnerships with locals clubs.