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Trans Can Sport wins award from The Federation of Gay Games
The Federation of Gay Games (FGG) held its annual Volunteers of the Year Awards last month, which were co-hosted by Out to Sport, which acts as anumbrella for all LGBTQ+ sports groups across London and the South East
Marquita Smith and Rory Finn, organisers of Trans Can Sport, a not-for-profit based in Brighton & Hove that aims to get trans people into exercise and healthy living, received the award for Outstanding Contribution to Trans Sport Participation. Trans Can Sport group has been providing free and low-cost activities to trans and non-binary people in Brighton & Hove since 2016.
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Marquita Smith
Rory Finn
The FGG awards, which this year took place online, recognise those who have made significant contributions to LGBTQ+ communities and helps FGG further its mission of promoting equality and inclusion through sport and culture.
“We love to recognise those who help our communities. It’s important to let them know their work is valued by so many others than the ones they are working directly with,’ says Shiv Paul, officer of communications for FGG.
The FGG also awarded: Volunteer of the Year - Shamey Cramer; Volunteer of the Year - Sarah Townsend; LGBTQ+ Sports Media 2020 Award - Jon Holmes.
The Ivan Bussens Award for Outstanding Lifetime Achievement went to Stephen Adshead from Out to Swim, which has branches in London and Brighton. The judges were blown away by Stephen’s tireless work fighting for men to be able to compete in synchronised swimming – a sport that until recently excluded men from competition completely.
Goal Diggers FC was acknowledged for its excellence as Club of the Year. The club impressed judges with its efforts over the past year to provide opportunities for women and non-binary people to play football.
Charlton Invicta FC received the award for the Most Innovative Lockdown Initiative. Their involvement in the Football v Transphobia campaign brought the team together virtually to raise awareness about transphobia in sport.
The Club Spirit Award was given to Steph Ramsey from Out to Swim, and Ella Slade from London Royals Hockey Club. This year two awards were given to celebrate spirit across different genders and to be recognised as role models for their positive attitude towards participation in sport.
The FGG organises the Gay Games, which are an international sporting and cultural event held every four years. The next instalment takes place in Hong Kong in November 2022.
