SPA UK Sandesh 2013 | Page 76

S PA Wa l s a l l SING: Samaj inspiring the Awards presented to some of the recipients or their representatives Next Generations - “Walsall’s very 1st Inspiration Award.. Wow”! Namaste, steady year for Samaj activities, our usual events were well attended and well received and our combined Christmas party/2012 AGM was enjoyed by all. The party coincided with the inaugural launch of SING (Samaj Inspiring the Next Generation). This is an annual magazine project which captures the year’s events and activities, whilst providing our members with a vehicle to express their own views about our Hindu culture and society. We see the SING project as an opportunity for our younger members to take control of the content and scope of the magazine and oversee its production; learning invaluable skills in the process. A Alongside the launch of the magazine we also requested nominations for Walsall’s very first Inspiration Awards. The summer of 2012 marked a terrific 74 Olympic year in the UK - the sporting spectacle spoilt the nation with heroes and heroines to be in awe of. We wanted to uncover the champions in our local community; and so we created the Inspiration Awards as a platform to recognise the specific talents, contributions and acts of dedication/selflessness that our members were most proud of. The awards ceremony was held during our 2013 AGM in June, which was also an election year for the executive team. The award categories were as follows: • Dedication and Determination • Care and commitment in the community • Pillars of our Society • Supporting Sewa and Strength • Committed charity champions The Awards were accepted by the members or their representatives with great pride, which was shared with their families and the community. The ceremonial affair evoked some touching and emotional responses, but the most prominent feelings were those of inspiration and motivation, which were a great take away for everyone, including the newly rejuvenated executive team. Walsall participants for this year’s sports day were reduced compared to last year, however our juniors had another good year. Rian Mistry retained his swimming title for the boys 6-8 group and new entry Valisha Mistry was runner-up in the girls 6-8 group. Well done also to Timal and Karishma Mistry who came third and fourth in their respective age groups. The seniors also had a good year.