THE spotlight was on the Bradford’s unsung heroes at a special awards ceremony hosted by TV celebrity Linda Barker. The 2020 Vision Awards, held recently at the Grattan Stadium, was a chance for the people and projects which help communities to be recognised in front of an audience of VIPs and other community members.
A shortlist of 23 people and projects were in the running for the seven awards. Each winner and runner up was presented with an engraved plaque and certificate.
Former professional rugby league player Ikram Butt, Managing Director of the British Asian Rugby Association (BARA), was among the winners.
Butt collected the Active Citizen Award sponsored by the Bradford Community Housing Trust Group.
The awards were organised by Bradford Vision, the local strategic partnership which brings organisations together to help improve life across the district.
Helen Platts, Bradford Vision’s Neighbourhood Renewal Director, said: “This was a fantastic chance to pay tribute to people who really make a difference but rarely make the headlines. Choosing nominations for the shortlist was very hard – and picking the winners was incredibly tough. Every nomination is a winner in our eyes.
“I want to say a big, big thank-you to everyone who sponsored the event and made it happen,” added Helen.
Celebrity designer Linda Barker, who grew up in Bradford, said: “I know there are some amazing people doing brilliant work in the Bradford district. The Vision Awards are a great way of giving some of them the credit and recognition they deserve.”
Winner Ikram Butt added: “I’m absolutely delighted to get this award and it means a lot to get recognition in the area in which I do the majority of my work.”
BARA was praised recently by Prime Minister Gordon during PM Question Time and has been officially endorsed for its work by Sports Minister Gery Sutcliffe MP.
BARA is an organisation which aims to provide positive role models, break down cultural & religious barriers, promote community integration, personal development, healthy living and encouraging participating in sport & physical activity especially in rugby.
