Sheffield Caribbean Sports Club’s Chair, who has been hailed as “the driving force” behind the sports activities membership, has been named the BBC Sports Personality “Unsung Hero” for Yorkshire. 

Des Smith, one of many founders and Chair of Sheffield Caribbean has been recognised for his work with the area people, championing the Windrush technology and his dedication to fairness and variety round encouragement and participation in grassroots sports activities. 

Des was pronounced the area’s winner on BBC Look North final night time (4 Dec), after being offered with the award by one of many membership’s most well-known members former England cricketer Devon Malcolm, who offered Des with the award throughout a ‘surprise’ go to to the membership in Sheffield on Sunday (3 Dec).  

Des Smith, Chair of Sheffield Caribbean wins BBC Unsung Hero Award

Devon stated: “Knowing Des as the person he is…he doesn’t expect anything. His nomination will be a surprise to him because he just does things lovingly from the goodness of his heart to support the community.” 

Des, who’s from Jamaica however now lives in Sheffield, stated he was “surprised” to obtain the award. 

He stated: “I’m thrilled, it’s a total surprise and this award is for everybody connected with the club, it really is. Thank you very much.” 

In his nomination, Des was described as dedicated to serving to others. 

The avid cricketer stated sports activities helped him combine and find out about different cultures when he emigrated to the UK in 1966. 

When the Sheffield Caribbean Sports Club was based in 1965, it was for kids from the West Indies to supply them a chance to socialize and play. 

Des has been on the coronary heart of the membership’s journey to the place it’s now – seeing the group hub rise from offering a secure haven for a handful of younger individuals to now supporting 5 cricket groups, eight junior soccer sides, whereas additionally catering for netball and hockey groups.  

 The ACE Programme can also be now delivered there in partnership with the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation – this can be a scheme that has achieved success in London, Birmingham, and Bristol amongst others and supplies tailor-made environments for the event of cricketers from Black communities.

The ACE programme in Sheffield at present works with 4 colleges and has engaged with greater than 200 younger individuals every week.

ACE incorporates expertise recognizing inside colleges, offering elite academy entry and scholarships, in addition to grassroots cricket initiatives. The programme at present works with 4 colleges and has engaged with greater than 200 younger individuals every week. An enormous milestone within the metropolis is that it has one of many highest variety of ladies participating in ACE throughout the nation, with greater than 15, however that is only the start as there are goals to have interaction with extra colleges and cities throughout Yorkshire for the long run. 

While the membership in Ecclesfield welcomes kids from all backgrounds, Mr Smith stated it additionally tried to draw these of Caribbean heritage. 

Des stated: “We have supported a variety of younger individuals within the Black group…a variety of younger individuals have began their journey in sport right here on the membership – whether or not that’s cricket or soccer – and different golf equipment have picked them up.  

“If you look at most of the clubs in the city nowadays – most have Black players, once upon a time that didn’t exist. The club has not only supported the Black community – we support all cultures – we cater for everyone. It doesn’t matter where you come from – (we are) an open, welcome community.”  

The general winner of the BBC Unsung Hero award might be introduced on the BBC Sports Personality programme, which is celebrating its seventieth anniversary this yr. 

The ceremony will happen on 19 December on BBC One and iPlayer.