Saracens sports charity community director nominated in local hero search (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Director of the Saracens Sports Foundation nominated for community award

5:20pm Monday 29th March 2010 in News By Manisha Mistry

THE leader of an inspiring sports charity has been nominated in the Review's search for a local hero.

Selfless work carried out by Gordon Banks as community director for the Saracens Sports Foundation has been recognised by Lisa Bates of the St Albans Chamber of Commerce.

Lisa contacted the Review personally nominating Gordon for a Community Gold Award – a scheme run in conjunction with solicitors Debenhams Ottaway to reward unsung heroes across the district.

The 37-year-old has been involved with the St Albans-based charity for the last nine years following his passion for sport.

Part of the foundation's work includes engaging with children faced with issues such as bullying, social inclusion and a poor education history and getting them involved with sport and the Saracens players.

On a recent pre-season tour the Saracens players also visited a township in South Africa to build three new homes for families living in severe poverty.

Speaking about his nomination Gordon, of Flamstead, said: “I am very flattered and really pleased that Lisa has recognised the progress that we have made as a charity.

"Over ten years Saracens staff and players have worked very hard to make a difference to the lives of local children.

“I am very fortunate to be in a position where my job is also my passion. Involvement in sport has had a hugely positive impact on my own life so it is rewarding to be able to use the power of sport to inspire children and young people.

“I don't see this as my job because the power of sport through the charity work I do is the difference between what is work and what is not work for me.

“I am so passionate about sport it feels like I am pursuing my own interest in life.”

Gordon, who previously worked for the NSPCC, said the ability sport has to change the lives of disadvantaged children is the most rewarding part of the work he does.

Nominating the charity leader Lisa said: “I had a meeting with him last week and I am so very impressed by his work. They are developing programmes for all kinds of disadvantaged groups in deprived area in the UK and also very involved with developing townships in South Africa.

“Through Gordon's work and determination thousands of children across the UK are being inspired to lead healthier and more fulfilled lives through the power of sport.

“They have an excellent attitude towards the community and work relentlessly to make a real difference every single day.”

Do you know an individual, business or charity who makes a difference in the community? Why not nominate them for a Community Gold Award.

You can enter by emailing your hero’s name and any relevant contact details to revieweditor@london.newsquest.co.uk catchlining your email hero.

You can also enter by text or by phone.

Send your text to 80360. Start your text with the word hero, leave a space and then enter the name and contact details of your unsung hero. Please also include your name and a contact number so we can get in touch with you in the event we are unable to contact your nominated person.

To nominate by phone, simply call 09012 210048 and leave the details of your unsung hero when prompted.

Calls cost no more than 25p per call from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles and some other networks may cost more. Texts cost 25p plus your normal operator text charge. Telephone and text voting lines open 08/02/2010 and close 15/12/2010 at 23:59PM. For full terms visit http://www.newsquest.co.uk/terms. Service Provided by Newsquest Media Group.