Justin Tomlinson MP has praised the hard-work and dedication of local sporting success, Brandon Humphries, during the teenager's visit to Parliament to collect the Sport England award for 'Participant of the Year'.
In the past Brandon has felt excluded from some sport and physical activity opportunities because of his Cerebral Palsy which effects his mobility in all four limbs. However, Brandon has not let this be a barrier to something he enjoys as he has been an integral part of Swindon Shock Wheelchair Basketball Satellite Club’s success, run at Commonweal School.
He has demonstrated characteristics well beyond his years in terms of attitude, commitment and maturity, and is regularly seen contributing to the success of the club, such as putting up posters, leading warm-up sessions and attending the club’s main training sessions.
Brandon has developed personally and as a basketball player and leader, and his confidence and self-esteem are now higher than ever. He has also expressed a real enthusiasm to get involved in coaching and the club will support him to undertake the Level 1 Coaching Award as soon as he turns 16. By overcoming these challenges, Brandon has changed his perception of what life holds for him and he will become a role model for other young people.
There are more than 130,000 young people who have attended more than 3,500 satellite clubs across England since 2012. Satellite clubs - the £49 million National Lottery funded Sport England initiative - are extensions, or outposts of community sports clubs which run out of a separate venue, usually a secondary school or college and specifically target the 11-25 age group.
These extensions of community sports clubs can offer a different sporting experience for young people, and by 2017, every secondary school in England will have been offered a satellite community sports club on its site. Satellite clubs are delivered by community sports clubs supported by the network of 49 county sports partnerships and 25 national governing bodies of sport.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: "Swindon is a fantastic town for sport and it's an absolute privilege to welcome Brandon, his parents, his coach Ben and Steve Boocock from Wiltshire & Swindon Sport to Westminster to celebrate Brandon's excellent achievement! Swindon Shock WBC is a club going from strength-to-strength and I'm delighted to hear the club is looking to expand further. Brandon is an amazing individual from whom I have no doubt we will see more success in the years to come!"
Brandon Humphries said: "It is an honour and a privilege to receive this award for a sport I love to play. I have enjoyed being able to encourage both my disabled and non-disabled friends to participate in this great sport at my school and club."
Steve Boocock, Chief Executive of Wiltshire & Swindon Sport said: "We are extremely pleased to have had two of the Wiltshire and Swindon satellite club projects shortlisted for these awards. Both reflect the high level of effort and commitment from all partners involved in the clubs to create new opportunities for young people to get involved in sport."
Sport England’s Executive Director for Community Sport, Mike Diaper, said: "I’m delighted that Brandon has been recognised for his outstanding commitment and achievement in sport. Satellite clubs offer so much for young people from helping them to continue to play sport and lead active lifestyles to boosting skills such as teamwork. I hope Brandon continues to be an ambassador for the sport in his community."
