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March 2, 2023
Around the world, incredible young leaders are pushing their communities and society forward through sport. For the sixth consecutive year, Beyond Sport and global entertainment leader, WWE, are proud to celebrate inspirational young people who are thriving in the face of adversity and advocating for equality and justice.
Today, we’re thrilled to announce the 2022 recipients of Beyond Sport’s Courageous Use of Sport Award, presented by WWE. Residing in Canada, India, the United States and the United Kingdom, they are using an array of sports to empower refugees, women and girls, Indigenous youth and people with disabilities.
This month, we will be sharing how the young leaders are helping lead their communities to brighter futures in our Friday global Bulletin. Make sure you are signed up so you don’t miss out!
MEET THE WINNERS:
Jaafar Alzaidi, 18, United States
At the age of 12, Jaafar and his family fled their home in Baghdad, Iraq, relocating to Philadelphia Pennsylvania due to war. As refugees, however, they faced a new set of traumas. Jaafar was bullied because of the language barrier and his heritage, but he didn’t let it hold him back. He faced the opposition with resilience, positivity and courage.
Jaafar worked hard on his English and joined his school’s soccer team to help him acclimatize. This ultimately led him to sport for development non-profit, The Sports Creative, and its FC Max Myers program. He is a coach on and off the pitch for youth in his Oxford Circle community, many of whom are immigrants and refugees themselves. With a personal understanding of the struggles these kids go through when adapting to a new place, he focuses on teaching them how to overcome their challenges – showing them that it’s possible to learn a new language, make new friends, do good in school, be proud of their culture and to chase their goals and dreams.
When asked what he has learned from the sport, Jaafar stated: “Soccer and sports, it teaches you about life basically. It teaches you to be consistent and to not give up. It teaches you to communicate with other people and to help other people. To be in good health and to have a good mindset. It’s been wonderful.”
Saba Khan, 21, India
Saba lives in a conservative Mumbai, India community where women and girls are traditionally denied their rights and prevented from pursuing opportunities outside of the home. Despite this, she fought hard to get an education and for her right to play, taking part in local football sessions with the OSCAR Foundation.
Passionate about gender equality and with a desire to positively impact the next generation, Saba became a young leader within the organization teaching football and life skills to adolescent girls. She quickly came to realize that women of all ages face limitations and went on to create “Walking Football,” a more inclusive version of the game for women aged 18 to 50. Her sessions have become a safe space for women to connect, discuss a variety of issues and be active.
When asked about her motivation to get women into sport and break gender barriers, she said: “I want to be an inspirational leader for my community…there’s a lot of issues and problems [where people say] that woman can’t play football or because you are a woman, you have to work at home. But I tackle these problems and am now a young leader at the OSCAR foundation. I inspire a lot of people and help them. This is my favorite part – to be a female coach. People admire us!”
Warren Clark, 22, United Kingdom
Warren started off his life in a women’s refuge after his mom fled to escape a violent partner. At just 10-years-old, Warren – who has autism and learning disabilities – started volunteering at a local golf center where he discovered a love for the game. At 17, he joined Team Great Britain at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi. And in 2019, was the only British athlete selected as an Ambassador for the Games in recognition of his dedication to inclusion, acceptance and unity.
His experiences drove him to establish Warren Clark Golfing Dreams Limited to help thousands of other disabled and disadvantaged youth feel included and take advantage of the social and physical benefits of the sport. His sessions are fully inclusive and focus on providing fun, social activities to reduce isolation and teach young people about the importance of teamwork and tolerance.
When asked about his advice for young people who may not feel included in society, he said: “There’s always going to be barriers and negative people… All I can say to people is just go for it. Think about your dream and just go for it…I think in life, if you just keep pushing, people start to understand what you’re actually doing, and you just need to find the right support…Don’t let people get in the way of yourself.”
Paris McLeggan-Milner, 18, United Kingdom
Paris grew up in a disadvantaged community in London, with a childhood marked by domestic violence, homelessness and poverty. During the height of COVID-19, she lost two close friends and struggled with the social isolation, online schooling and financial downturns caused by the pandemic.
But Paris has always had a strong personal drive and isn’t letting her circumstances limit her future. She got involved with the BIGKID Foundation, which helps youth at risk of social isolation and violence take control of their lives, initially as an apprentice and now as a Program Officer. She has found her purpose in a love for sport – especially football and American football – and in breaking down gender barriers. She joined the competitive South London Renegades, initially as the only girl on the team, and now has the potential to play for Great Britain.
Paris has made it her mission to get other young women into sport and when asked about her message to those who say that girls can’t handle football or any other sport, she emphatically stated: “I’d say I’m here to prove you wrong…With all the progress I’m making, it definitely means that I’m making an impact on someone’s life. Them doubting me and anything else is not going to stop me from pursuing what I want to pursue and the impact I want to see.”
Richard Palmer Thomas, 16, Canada
As an Indigenous youth member of the Musqueam Nation – the unceded territory of Vancouver in Canada – Richard has been subject to the systemic racism resulting from colonization. Growing up he experienced racism and bullying – from inside and outside his community – on everything from his appearance to his abilities as a player in a mainstream soccer club. However, Richard uses the negativity as inspiration to work even harder and was recently selected as the goalkeeper to represent British Columbia at the North American Indigenous Games.
A love of soccer and service to others led him to become a youth ambassador, coach and mentor with Hope and Health, an organization that maximizes sport’s power to engage, educate and empower Indigenous youth. As a player and a coach, he works locally and in remote communities to encourage other Indigenous youth to push their limits and to advocate for equality and respect.
When asked about his approach to challenges in life, he stated: “I’ve learned that what other people say does not define me and fuels me to work even harder to achieve my dreams. The trauma I’ve experienced in life has served me to reflect and focus on what truly matters and has shaped me into the person I am today. It helps me as a youth coach as I relate to the vulnerability and challenges that Indigenous children and youth face.”
Congratulations to our 2022 winners! Beyond Sport and WWE are honored to amplify their incredible work and messages on the power of sport with intention. #SameTeam
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