Silver for Rotherham teen at National Satellite Club Awards

A Rotherham College student has claimed second prize at Sport England’s National Satellite Club Participant Awards.

Rahmo Ali Adan, 18, relocated to Rotherham from Somalia and decided to improve her English by enrolling on an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course at Rotherham College. Rahmo also had an interest in sport, but had little opportunity to take part in Somalia, so the College introduced her to the Places for People Leisure satellite club.

Rahmo was presented with her award in recognition of her contribution and outstanding commitment to taking part in community sport. The award was presented in London by Minister for Sport, Tracey Crouch MP and Paralympic superstar Dame Sarah Storey.

The satellite club hosts weekly session run in partnership with Rotherham College and Places for People Leisure, and offers a range of sports like Zumba and Boxercise. Forming close bonds with the other girls in the club, Rahmo has seen her confidence flourish, as well as greatly improving her English in the process. Better yet, Rahmo is now actively encouraging other young women to try out all the sports the club has to offer.

Accepting the award, Rahmo Ali Adan, said: “I recently moved to England. Back home only boys do sport or physical activities. I started to do sport at the Female Fitness Club through Rotherham College and it’s become one of my favourite things at college. In my free time I now play football and netball with my nephews and nieces, I enjoy walking as well. I thank my teachers who introduced me to sport. Sport has really changed my life.”

Ben Hannan, Sport Co-ordinator at Rotherham College said ““Rahmo has been on an incredible journey, overcoming adversity along the way and always with a smile on her face. Her achievement is absolutely outstanding and is a credit to her.”

Nigel Harrisson from the Yorkshire Sport Foundation said:”Rahmo is a hugely deserving winner of this award and we congratulate her and the satellite club involved. To achieve what she has in a new country and having learnt a new language is inspirational, and shows how sport can make a real difference to so many lives.”

Director for Community Sport at Sport England, Mike Diaper, said: “Despite the obstacles she has faced, Rahmo’s determination to succeed is an inspiration to us all. Thanks to the support of Rotheram College and Places for People Leisure, Rahmo has found a supportive environment, which allows her to try out a range of activities and make new friends. Her infectious positivity, reminds us about the many benefits sports can offer, and I hope she will continue to be a beacon for youth sport in Rotherham.”

Minister for Sport, Tracey Crouch said: “These inspirational winners are doing amazing things across a range of sports and it is right that we celebrate their wonderful achievements.”