Bath Rugby Foundation celebrates “inspiring young people” at annual awards event

By Nick Batten on 22 December, 2017

The charitable arm of Bath Rugby Club – Bath Rugby Foundation – recently hosted its annual awards event, celebrating the success stories and achievements of young people across the city.

Taking place at the Apex Hotel on James Street West, the Foundation handed out nine awards recognising the inspiring achievements of its beneficiaries, with categories including respect, integrity, teamwork and dedication.

Bath Rugby Foundation claims it exists to “empower local young people to succeed,” and aims to use “the power of rugby” to help over 4,000 vulnerable young people each year overcome barriers around health, education, inclusion and employability.

Young people who have showed “outstanding progress” are nominated for the awards, this year judged by a panel comprised of player development manager Stuart Hooper; Bath Rugby captain Matt Garvey; Bath Chronicle editor, Gavin Thompson and foundation operations manager, Jen Ritter.

Lynne Fernquest, chief executive officer of Bath Rugby Foundation, said: “It’s inspiring to see how our nominees have grown and developed and pushed themselves out of their comfort zones. These rewards are just a snapshot of what is being achieved. The progress of each and every person we work with inspires our team to work even harder, smarter and achieve more. Our participants drive our passion”.

She continued: “Our work doesn’t stop because the need doesn’t stop – we are already back out in the community; coaching, mentoring and fundraising. It shocks us that, in 2017, a child born in Twerton will live on average nine years less than one born in Bear Flat. That’s two miles apart and a few stops on the bus. Our aim is to intervene early so we can make the biggest impact. It makes sense on every level to create strong children rather than fix broken adults.”

As the Foundation enters its 15th year, a host of further events are planned.

Pictured above: Some of the nominees at the awards which took place in November