We celebrate the impact of British Taekwondo

Community Integrated Care was proud to back our partners, British Taekwondo, in celebrating the sport’s impact at their Inaugural Annual Awards, taking place in Salford on Saturday 23^rd November. Contributing to the event’s judging day and partnering to launch their Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award, we were honoured to play our part in recognising the very best of the sport.

The awards ceremony, which was held at the Lowry Theatre, highlighted the impact, dedication and achievements of the sport’s athletes, clubs, coaches and volunteers.

Community Integrated Care’s Partnerships Development Manager, Briony Davies, joined an illustrious judging panel for the event, sharing her experience and expertise.

Working with leading figures from the sport, including Sarah Stevenson- Jennings, British Taekwondo President, Shaun Gagie, British Taekwondo Independent Non-Executive Director, Yawar Abbas, MCRactive Deputy CEO, and Paralympic hero, Amy Truesdale, Briony had the unenviable task of selecting the absolute best amongst hundreds of inspiring nominations.

Having proudly developed a number of powerful social impact projects and innovations in collaboration with the sport, it was apt that our charity partnered with British Taekwondo to develop the Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award. Members of our charity’s Support Squad – people employed by our charity, who have lived experience of disability and share their experiences to help events and organisations become more inclusive and accessible – played an important role in developing the award. Support Squad members, Matt and Elle Price, were also delighted to attend the event to represent our charity and officially present the award. This honour was collected by David White for Ignite Taekwondo.

Judges said: ‘David, a lifelong taekwondo enthusiast, reignited his passion for the sport by opening his own club to support his son. Drawing from his experiences

with his autistic son, David actively promotes inclusivity, welcoming children of all abilities. Together with his wife Melissa, they have fostered a truly inclusive environment where young people are encouraged to thrive. A standout winner in this category!’

Over the past 18 months, Community Integrated Care has developed a thriving partnership with British Taekwondo, the governing body of the major martial arts sport. This has included leading a pioneering partnership at their hallmark World Taekwondo Grand Prix 2023 event that saw our charity provide strategic support, training and social impact programmes, in a relationship that has been shortlisted for the EDI Award at the upcoming Sports Business Awards.

This relationship has continued to grow, including a joint partnership to develop the first ever taekwondo club that is purpose designed for people who have learning disabilities. Fittingly, Jason Mayoh, lead coach for this programme, collected the sport’s Unsung Hero honour at the event.

Judges comments: ‘Jason is an exceptional instructor, deeply involved in numerous projects and highly adaptable in his sessions. His excellent interpersonal skills and inspiring character make him a standout figure. Known for his high energy and unwavering patience, Jason is not in it for the glory but for the love of teaching others. His passion and enthusiasm shine through in his work, consistently bringing out the best in his students. Often referred to as the best teacher ever, Jason’s dedication, compassion, and ability to connect with his students truly make him an unsung hero.’

Speaking of the experience, Briony said, “It was an absolute honour to take part as a judge for British Taekwondo’s AnnualAwards and to witness the incredible impact this sport, and people working within it, have had in communities across the country. Our partnership with British Taekwondo demonstrates the power of collaboration in driving social impact and making a real tangible difference to people’s lives through sport. It was especially meaningful to help develop and launch their new Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award. Recognising those who make equality, diversity, and inclusion a priority is vital for the continued growth and relevance of sport, and in encouraging communities and spaces that are welcoming and accessible for all.”

She continued, “Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their inspiring achievements, and a special mention to Jason for his well-deserved Unsung Hero Award—his work is a shining example of the transformative potential of sports and sporting professionals, to break down barriers and create more opportunities for people with learning disabilities.”