The Torch Trophy Trust held its 50th annual awards ceremony last night at the Army and Navy Club, London.
The Sport and Recreation Alliance provide the day-to-day support for the Trust.
The awards recognise volunteers, nominated by their national governing body, who have given outstanding service to grassroots sport.
With the charity celebrating its 50th anniversary, the evening felt particularly special taking place in a year where the Olympic and Paralympic Games were held in London and volunteers played such an integral part in their success.
Nineteen winners from right across sport were awarded their trophy, a small replica of the 1948 torch from the London Olympic Games which is the Trust's symbol.
For the Torch Trophy Trust, the flaming torch takes on the spirit of the Games and symbolises the charity's dedication to helping and recognising the efforts of volunteers in sport.
HRH The Duke of Kent was there to show his support and present each of the awards. In his speech, he said:
"Life, I know, is often not made very easy for volunteers. They have to contend with bureaucracy and red tape, questions of licences, qualifications, insurance, health and the ubiquitous health and safety, all in a world where costs are increasing and revenues too often falling for clubs.
"Yet these are the people who make sport happen in this country and make it available for everyone. So tonight we celebrate their achievement and I want to congratulate them all."
Sir Bobby Charlton CBE, president of the Torch Trophy Trust was also there to address the attendees and spent time congratulating each of the award winners after the ceremony. He said:
“Volunteering is more often than not a thankless task but we must remember that without volunteers grassroots sport simply wouldn’t be able to function.
“If we are to boost volunteering in this country, we need to ensure that the tireless work of these individuals is recognised, supported and celebrated.”
Paul Dimond CMG, a Torch Trophy Trust trustee and deputy chairman at DAKS Simpson Group said:
“DAKS are proud to be sponsoring the 50th annual Torch Trophy Trust Awards and joining them in celebrating the achievements of some of the UK’s most outstanding volunteers in sport.”
View the full list of Torch Trophy Trust award winners.
Read this BBC article about the charity and the awards.
Download the Torch Trophy Trust programme.
Visit the Torch Trophy Trust website.
