The Andrew Longden 'Hero of Disability Sport' Award was introduced in 2018 in loving memory of Andrew Longden, the CP Teens UK RaceRunning Coach.

 

Andrew, who sadly passed away at the beginning of 2018, coached CP Teens UK Founder, Ellie from when she started Athletics. With the development and growth of both CP Teens UK and RaceRunning, in 2015 Andrew started coaching RaceRunning for the charity.

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In 2017, Andrew was awarded 'Coach of the Year' by Cerebral Palsy Sport. His passion, love and dedication for his athletes and RaceRunning was incredible. Andrew was also a great friend who was passionate about developing the whole person and not just the athlete. He made so many disabled athletes believe in themselves as he had so much belief in them.

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Andrew was also heavily involved in the Special Olympics in Yorkshire and coached a Special Olympics Athletics Group in Sheffield, including his wonderful daughter, Heather, who won Gold at the 2017 Special Olympics National Games.

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In 2021, the award was expanded beyond the sporting arena. Andrew was passionate about opportunities and equality for people with disabilities in all areas of life, not just sport. He championed youngsters with disabilities and took great delight in each individual's achievements and journey. The award is presented on an annual basis at the CP Teens UK Ball and will recognise anyone involved in disability who gives back and displays the same attributes that Andrew did - love, passion, outstanding commitment and a true dedication to improving the lives of disabled people.

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~ NOMINATE ~

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Nominations are now open for the 2022 Andrew Longden 'Hero of Disability' Award. The winner will be announced and presented with their award on Saturday 8th October 2022 at the 7th Annual CP Teens UK Ball.

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Nominees must display the same attributes as Andrew did - a love for enhancing the lives of people with a disability/ championing disabled people, a passion to give back, a dedication to enable opportunities for disabled people and a commitment to disability projects/initiatives/clubs/services etc. 

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CLOSING DATE: Monday 29th August 2022, 23:59 GMT