Leicester sponsors Special Recognition award at the British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards 2016
Our University has sponsored an award that recognises the role that ex-professional footballer Paul Elliott has played in improving diversity and equality in the sport.
On 6 February 2016, members of the Unit for Diversity, Inclusion & Community Engagement (DICE) were special guests at the second annual Lycamobile British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards (BEDSAs).
Organised by Sporting Equals, the BEDSA awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the contribution of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in sport. The Awards aim to create a positive impact towards the sport sector, where more role models from diverse communities in various sports are a priority to increase participation.
Leicester sponsored the ‘Special Recognition’ award, which was presented by the President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Boyle to ex-professional footballer Paul Elliott for his work on diversity and equality in football.
Professor Boyle said: “We recognise the huge contribution made by people from BME backgrounds to British life including, of course, to sport. These awards are just one way in which we can highlight their achievements.
“The ‘Special Recognition’ BEDSA is especially important to us at the University of Leicester because it is aimed at people such as Paul Elliott who have worked tirelessly to increase opportunities and diversity in sport. This fits well with our own agenda to increase diversity in academic life.
“Much more needs to be done, not least in terms of the lack of BME people in top administrative posts in sport and elsewhere. But we are delighted to sponsor this award as it recognises a leading figure who is playing a key role in helping to deliver this vision.”