30th November 2007
Joe Harris, of Hodge Hill Sport and Enterprise College, Birmingham was commended at The Daily Telegraph's School Sport Matters awards. He received his prize (placing him 3rd in the nation, behind two elite national athletes), at a national awards ceremony at the Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal Football Club.
Joe, from a school in a deprived community, has overcome the odds to become an inspirational young leader in sport. He has worked extremely hard, particularly in the last year, in the field of leadership and volunteering. He has helped organise and run various festivals, his first one being a mutli-skills competition for over a 100 deaf and hearing pupils from the city.
He has also represented the Calthorpe Partnership as a Young Ambassador, where he has presented to staff from across the SSP about his role, inspiring those who hear him speak. One comment from the evaluations stated that he was ‘an inspiration’ to us all and another said that he was ‘the reason why leadership opportunities for young people are so vital’. As part of this role he also spent a week in a South African school giving training and advice to other young leaders. The people he worked with were so impressed with him they gave named him Bongani, meaning ‘we are thankful’. Since his return he has organised different fund raising events to raise money for that school.
Joe’s own interests lie in outdoor pursuits and despite his relatively small stature he has proven himself very capable in the various disciplines. For his work experience he chose to work alongside with Birmingham Outdoor Education Centre and was able to share his passion and knowledge with younger pupils. He also volunteered to do an extra week residential with pupils from two Special schools. He got glowing reports once again from the staff there.
Joe is a well motivated young man who uses his own initiative and can work with any group of people. His passion and enthusiasm is infectious. Joe’s dedication makes him a pleasure to work alongside. Joe also chairs our young people’s sport forum with ease and confidence.
Following his success receiving the ‘commended’ award at the School Sport Matters Awards (placing him 3rd in the nation, behind two elite national athletes), Joe has been invited to parliament to meet MP Liam Byrne to discuss his experiences and the opportunities for young people in P.E. and School Sport. Not a bad year for a quiet lad from Hodge Hill, who was never really bothered about PE.