Member Article

Awards for the North East’s Top Scorers

A host of Premier League football stars were among those paying tribute to some of the North East’s finest families and young achievers at a special awards ceremony held this week.

The Foundation of Light’s annual Top Scorer awards, which took place at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, paid tribute to some of the thousands of people who have taken part in the charity’s sport and education-based courses in the past 12 months, including many from across Wearside, South Tyneside and County Durham.

A total of 16 awards were given out at the event, ranging from Young Role Model to Improved Attitude, with Sunderland AFC’s head coach Gus Poyet and members of the first team squad attending to show their support.

Gus Poyet, said: “It was an honour to be part of the Foundation of Light’s Top Scorer awards and to see what amazing things had been achieved by so many young people and families from across the North East.”

Among those being honoured at the awards was eight-year old Zak Stewart from Seaburn Dene, near Sunderland, who participated in the Making Moves sports-based scheme for people with physical and learning disabilities and Chris McKenzie from South Shields, who lost over three stone after taking part in the charity’s Men’s Health initiative.

Chris said: “Being involved with the Foundation of Light has been a life changing experience for me. Winning the Improved Health Award is just the icing on the cake and I can’t thank the charity enough for everything they’ve done.”

Along with showcasing these personal success stories, the Top Scorer Awards also highlighted the ground-breaking work being carried out by the Foundation of Light, which benefits more than 42,000 young people and families across the North East every year.

Lesley Spuhler, Foundation of Light CEO, said: “The Top Scorer awards are an annual highlight in our charity calendar and provide the perfect opportunity to recognise many of our course participants for their hardwork and personal success.

“It is also a great way to showcase these successes to the countless individuals and companies who support the charity, without which none of this would be possible.”

The Foundation of Light’s Top Scorer event was sponsored by 3663 with support from Dunelm Glass and Party Express.

For more information about the Foundation of Light and the wide range of initiatives on offer visit www.foundationoflight.co.uk or follow SAFCFol on Twitter.

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