Aura Wales wins Best Social Impact Initiative at WSA Sports Industry Awards 2024
Aura Wales wins Best Social Impact Initiative at WSA Sports Industry Awards in recognition of its Community Sports Hub
The Welsh Sports Association (WSA) Sports Industry Awards 2024 took place in Cardiff on Thursday 6 June 2024 to celebrate the best in Wales’ sport and leisure industry. The annual awards ceremony recognises and promotes the initiatives and successes of WSA members, while also communicating best-practice models and strategies that are helping the Welsh sport and leisure sector to develop and grow.
In the category of ‘Best Social Impact Initiative’, there were three nominees with Aura Wales nominated for its Community Sports Hub, alongside BowlsWales and the Welsh Rugby Union … and we are thrilled to announce that Aura Wales won!
The Welsh Sports Association summarised the impact of the Community Sports Hub in its Awards programme:
The Community Sports Hub stands as a beacon of empowerment and inclusivity. The fifteen hubs welcome 200 young individuals each week to engage in transformative activities that transcend mere recreation. More than just a sports programme, it serves as a vital lifeline for the community, providing a safe haven for young people.
Central to the Hub’s ethos is the belief that every young person deserves access to quality recreational opportunities, regardless of their socio-economic status. As such, their services are provided free of charge, ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of participation. This commitment to accessibility not only levels the playing field, but also empowers young individuals to embrace their potential and pursue their passions without limitations.
By providing a safe space for play, exploration, and growth, the Community Sports Hub serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring young individuals to dream boldly and pursue their passions with unwavering determination. Using the transformative power of sports and recreation, the Hub will continue to nurture a generation of resilient, compassionate, and empowered individuals in north-east Wales, who are poised to shape a brighter tomorrow for themselves and their communities.
The profile of the eight category winners at the WSA Awards will be brought to the attention of influential stakeholders such as Welsh Government, Sport Wales, Community Leisure UK, WSA Partners and the media. Moreover, the excellent work and best practice demonstrated will be showcased to other WSA members as exemplar models for the sector.
Speaking on Aura Wales’ success, the WSA’s Chief Executive, Andrew Howard, commented:
“One of the most submitted-to categories this year, it was Aura Wales’ exceptional Community Sports Hub initiative that won the Best Social Impact Award at the 2024 WSA Sports Industry Awards.
“The project epitomised the power that sport and physical activity holds within local communities, bringing in hundreds of young individuals from a range of diverse backgrounds each month to a safe environment where they feel connected, valued, and empowered.
“The Community Sports Hub programme is a prime example of sport’s vital role in addressing varying issues in society, connecting and providing opportunities to diverse communities while supporting the mental and physical well-being of so many individuals.
“Aura Wales were deserved winners on a night where so many brilliant projects and campaigns were recognised and celebrated, with the Community Sports Hub standing out as a truly impactful initiative for its community; it’s what the WSA Sports Industry Awards are all about.”
A delighted Sara Mogel OBE, Aura’s Chair, said:
“It is fantastic news that Aura Wales’ community-focused work has received national recognition for its social impact. The award for our Community Sports Hub demonstrates the breadth of Aura’s role in Flintshire which extends far beyond the provision of leisure centres and libraries to includes wider cross-cutting themes such as poverty, anti-social behaviour and drug and alcohol awareness.
“I congratulate our Sports Development team for its passion and commitment to the Community Sports Hub and I am so pleased that their hard work and dedication has been rewarded at national level.”
Image 1: Aura’s ‘Best Social Impact Initiative’ award plaque.
Image 2: Aura’s Sports Development team celebrates its WSA Award success.
