Sports For All pay tribute at awards ceremony

Photo: Laura Wild

Hussain Fulat, the son of Ismail Fulat,collects a plaque of remembrance

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The tenth annual Sports For All awards evening took place tonight, (Saturday 13 February 2010) at Touchstones, to celebrate the sporting achievements of people involved with the scheme throughout the borough.

This year’s awards began with a special tribute to Mr Ismail Fulat of the Kashmiri Youth Project who worked tirelessly with Sports For All for many years before his death in December 2009. His son Hussain was presented with a plaque in memory of his father from Sports For All.

In a very fitting piece Mr Andy Zuntz, Executive of Rochdale Borough Council, described Mr Fulat as an ‘inspiration’ he said: “Ismail was a dear friend, it is an honour to have known him and work with him over the years. He was the best kind of friend to have, very courteous, honest and caring and I always looked forward to seeing him.”

The evening then proceeded with a series of awards presented to the young people of the borough in front of friends, family and various dignitaries, including Paul Rowen MP and the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale .

Sports For All is also involved with the Alliance scheme, bringing the police and local people together – in the form of a football match.

Chief Superintendent John O’Hare explained that Sports For All is about a lot more than just sport, he said: “This is a common ground for all ages and it enables people to have something to focus on, a sense of competing, success, passion and enjoyment.

“We are able to focus on the people of this borough, and we want to make a difference.”

A particularly special award for 'Services to the Community' was presented to Mr Mohammad Sharif Baleem for all the hard work he has put into working with young people within the borough over many many years. Mr Baleem didn’t attend the whole event due to illness but his family brought him in in his wheel chair at the time of the award.

 In a tribute Paul Rowen told the audience: “Part of my job means I am able to meet the unsung heroes of our borough and those who work behind the scenes to make the town what it is, it is a pleasure and an honour to have been asked to speak about Mr Baleem who I have worked with for over 25 years.

“He is a man ahead of his time and a true pioneer Mr Baleem has always delivered he has always been reliable and he has always had a strong presence.”

As he collected his award Mr Baleem, said: “Thank you for remembering me for what I have done, I never did it for personal gain my idea was for communities to come together. There has been problems but I tried my best to solve those problems.”

Following the formal part of the evening, the Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Keith Swift, said: “This is another great success for Sports For All, they have made such a big difference to the borough.”

Paul Rowen MP, said: “Sports For All do a fantastic job working with the young people in the borough.”

Asif Rafiq The Chair of Sports For All, said: “It was delightful to see so many people support, mingle and enjoy the focus on community cohesion in Rochdale that utterly negates those people who say it doesn’t and can’t happen.  

"Mohammed Baleem’s award and the tribute to Ismail Fulet also reminds us of what can be achieved by pulling and working together. Our aim is to strengthen community cohesion and we will continue to take inspiration from both memory of our dear friend the late Ismail Fulat and community champions such as Mohammed Sharif Baleem."

Awards:

• Alliance Shield Winner: Rochdale Police team
• Alliance Shield Runner up: Sports For All faith team
• Alliance Shield Man of the Match: Esrar Khan
• 5-a-side football ‘Golden Cup’ Bradford All Stars
• Cricket Tournament 6-a-side Winner: Idara All Stars
• Cricket Tournament 6-a-side Runner up: Halifax Tigers
• Cricket Tournament 6-a-side Man of the Match: Abdullah
• Partnership Award: Roca Juniors Football Club
• Lifetime services to community: Mohammad Sharif Baleem
• Community recognition: Dean Sorah
• Services to young people: Ibrar Khan

Sports For All is a voluntary organisation, its main aims are to encourage community cohesion, integrate the deprived and vulnerable into society, promote health and fitness and provide skills and recognition.