Southampton Charity Sails Away With National Award

Paralympian and television presenter Ade Adepitan today boarded a tall ship to break the news to crew members that they’ve been named the UK’s Best Sport project in this year’s National Lottery Awards.

The Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) brings together men and women of all physical abilities, through the adventure and challenge of sailing aboard two tall ships, Lord Nelson and Tenacious.

Since the charity was established in 1978 over 38,000 people have sailed with them. Out of these, 19,000 people were disabled and 5,000 were wheelchair users.

The charity got 5,790 votes – almost double the number of their closest rivals – to win Best Sport Project in this year’s National Lottery Awards, which is the annual search to find the nation’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.

Ade Adepitan joined the crew of Tenacious returning from racing in the Tall Ships Race in Europe:

“This project is a blue print for how we should run the country. It’s about equality, no one feels left out, there’s a job for everyone, all working together. It was an amazing reaction when I presented the crew with the trophy, winning this award means such a lot to everyone involved. It will give them extra recognition, open more doors and get more people knowing about their wonderful work.”

Darren Naggs from the Jubilee Sailing Trust says winning the award and being celebrated on national television is wonderful:

“We are delighted that people voted in droves for the Jubilee Sailing Trust to win this National Lottery Award. We have made a life-changing difference to so many people, giving them amazing experiences while developing important skills. It is fantastic reward for everyone involved with the Jubilee Sailing Trust to win this prestigious award.”

The achievements of The Jubilee Sailing Trust will be celebrated at a special star-studded ceremony broadcast on BBC One on 19 September. The charity will also receive a £2,000 cash prize to spend on its project as well as a coveted National Lottery Awards trophy.

More about the charity:

Over £6 million of National Lottery funding awarded by Sport England helped Southampton-based JST to widen its impact. Funding was invested in a purpose-built tall ship called Tenacious following the popularity of its first ship, the Lord Nelson - the only two ships in the world that are accessible to all physical abilities.
As well as building people’s confidence in working as part of a team, JST also improves employment opportunities by teaching other life skills. The experience also breaks down barriers around disability by encouraging crew members to help challenge other people’s views and approaches to disability. This provides a lasting impact that stays with people long after they have completed their voyage, and spreads to others in their own communities.

More about the Awards:

National Lottery players raise over £33 million a week and that money goes to support people and projects across the UK. The Awards are a great way to show National Lottery players where their funding has gone and the life-changing difference playing the Lottery every week is making to communities across the UK.

There are seven categories in the Awards, reflecting the main areas of Lottery funding: arts, education, environment, health, heritage, sport, and voluntary/charity.

Ends