NEWS
Jordan Sinnott Awards Inspire in South Africa
Former St. Mary’s Menston student and professional footballer Jordan Sinnott was a great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership charity which uses the power to change lives in some of the poorest rural communities in South Africa. Following his tragic death in 2020 three annual awards were established in his memory at Vumanhlamvu Primary School in the Nkandla region of KwaZulu-Natal. The awards recognise the Sportswomen of the Year, Sportsman of the Year and Sports Leader at the school.
Former St. Mary’s Menston student and professional footballer Jordan Sinnott was a great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership charity which uses the power to change lives in some of the poorest rural communities in South Africa. Following his tragic death in 2020 three annual awards were established in his memory at Vumanhlamvu Primary School in the Nkandla region of KwaZulu-Natal. The awards recognise the Sportswomen of the Year, Sportsman of the Year and Sports Leader at the school.
At a special presentation event at the school there was great anticipation much excitement as the three award winners were announced:
Mnelisi Ntanzi Sportswoman of the Year
Andile Kunene Sportsman of the Year
Lunwabo Masondo Sports Leader of the Year
Award winners pictured with Mr Sibisi Lucky the Sports Organiser at Vumanhlamvu School
Mnelisi Ntanzi Sportswoman of the Year
“l feel very much happy to be a winner of this beautiful award that remembers Jordan at our school. This encourages me to continue with netball even next year at high school. I practiced and exercised at home very much in order to improve. I scored 32 goals this year in netball matches. Thank you, a lot, to the Sinnott family and the Bambisanani Partnership as these awards encourage us to showcase our talent.”
Andile Kunene Sportsman of the Year
“'It is a dream come true to win the Jordan Sinnott Award in 2024. I am very happy and my dream is to be a professional soccer player one day. I always go an extra mile when given a task in sports – this encourages me to do the same in my school work. Thanks to the Jordan Sinnott family and to Bambisanani for giving us this opportunity.”
Lunwabo Masondo Sports Leader of the Year
“I have never won any award in my whole life. The Jordan Sinnott award is the first thing that l won and it is a famous award at our school. I worked very hard all the time and this special award motivates me to be a good leader. Thank you Bambisanani and Sinnott family for remembering us.”
Mr William Vilakazi, Principal of the school added, “It is difficult to express how important these awards are to our school. They are a focal point for our learners and inspire them to be the best that they can be. We remember Jordan at this time and his Mum, Melanie who sadly passed away last year. The Sinnott family and his friends must be strengthened in the knowledge that Jordan is continuing to inspire learners in this remote rural part of South Africa. This is the power of sport which we know was very important to Jordan.”
Bambisanani Awards continue to inspire
The annual Bambisanani Awards are always a cause of great interest and excitement as they continue to recognise, reward and inspire young people in South Africa and the UK.
The annual Bambisanani Awards are always a cause of great interest and excitement as they continue to recognise, reward and inspire young people in South Africa and the UK.
At Vumanhlamvu Primary School, 3 Bambisanani Awards were presented in memory of Jordan Sinnott:
The Sports Leader of the Year was named as Philani Shezi, the football team captain for 2023
"I would like to thank the Bambisanani Partnership, my school and the Sinnott family for giving me this opportunity to participate in sports and show my leadership. I am so very happy to be announced as a winner of this big award. I thank the Bambisanani Partnership for donating sports equipment."
Sportswomen of the Year was Silindokuhle Mvela who was 100 meters District Champion in Athletics in 2023.
"The Bambisanani Athletics programme in our school has helped me to be a winner and to represent Nkandla at District level. Thank you, Bambisanani Partnership, for introducing the Athletics Challenge and donating equipment which has helped us a lot. I am very proud to lift the trophy in memory of Jordan.”
Sportsman of the Year was Simphilele Ngonyama who was the top goal scorer in the local Schools Football Tournament in 2023.
"l would like to thank my school and the Bambisanani partnership for the beautiful programme which has helped us to improve not only in sports but in our other school subjects as well. I am honoured to raise the Jordan Sinnott Award for Sportsman of the Year; I am inspired to do more.”
William Vilakazi, Principal of Vumanhlamvu remarked, "Having Jordan Sinnott Awards in our school inspires learners. The awards help learners from a young age to develop not only sporting skills but also the social skills to work with their teammates, make new friends and learn how rewarding it is to participate in team sports. It has also improved self-esteem of most learners in our school, learners are hungry to succeed in all sports activities in order to lift these prestigious awards. We thank the Sinnott family and we were so sorry to hear recently of the passing of Jordan’s Mum, Melanie, who was a great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership and of our school; May she Rest in Peace with Jordan.”
At Mnyakanya High School, 8 Awards were presented to learners by Miss Charlotte Wood from St. Mary’s during the recent visit to South Africa by student volunteers:
Laurie McCauley Most Improved Footballer Award: Velani Mtshali
Laurie McCauley Creative Writing Award: Athandile Gumede
Helping Others Achieve Their Potential Award: Uyabusa Mvubu
True Spirit of Sport Award: Nombulelo Shangase
Sbonelo Magwaza Outstanding Leadership Award: Bayanda Gcaba
Sportswoman of the Year Award: Seluleko Nzuza
Sportsman of the Year Award: Luthando Mnqayi
The Sbonelo Magwaza Award for Outstanding leadership: Anna Ciesluk
A Sbonelo Magwaza Outstanding Leadership Award is also presented at St. Mary’s, Menston to a student volunteer from the school who has shown exceptional leadership in South Africa. Speaking at an Awards Ceremony Miss Charlotte Wood said, “I would just like to say that Mr Harvey, Mrs. Chattoe and I were and still are super proud of all of the St. Mary’s students who worked out in South Africa in July 2023. Whilst working on the project, the Bambisanani team are asked to nominate a student for this award. The team are looking for someone who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the work of the partnership. The recipient of this award knew they wanted to be involved in the work of The Bambisanani Partnership when they joined St. Mary’s in Year 7, and upon hearing they had a place on the visit, this student did everything they could to make sure they were fully prepared for their work in South Africa and were adamant they would do what it takes to get the best out of it. The winner of this award is very special. They truly encompass everything that the partnership is about. Compassion, Service Kindness. In the final blog of the visit, Mr. Harvey said this person was born to lead, always the first to volunteer, chatted with everyone an couldn’t be phased by any challenge. She is an exceptional young person. I am delighted to award The Sbonelo Magwaza Award for Outstanding leadership to Anna Ciesluk.”
The Heather Read Award for Outstanding Resilience goes to Ntuli Samkelisiwe
It was a great honour this year to unveil and introduce a completely new annual award at Mnyakanya School: The Heather Read Award for Outstanding Resilience. At the presentation ceremony Mrs Catherine Chattoe, Bambisanani Coordinator at St. Mary’s visiting South Africa said:
“Heather Read loved the Bambisanani Partnership and was a great supporter of the charity. The Bambisanani Partnership has a longstanding special relationship with Rotarians in the UK, South Africa and internationally and Heather was instrumental in so many of our joint projects that have transformed young people’s lives in South Africa. Heather was the first female President of the UK’s Aireborough Rotary Club in its history of more than 60 years. Heather was a volunteer at a charity shop for a cancer Hospice. She was a vice principal at a special school. A church warden at St Peter’s Parish Church in Rawdon. A school governor at St Peter’s Church of England Primary. She was also a Community Ambassador for a local cancer charity. Heather Read was ground breaking in her election as president, she challenged the rules of the society, she paved the way and made the society more responsive and inclusive. She showed compassion to everyone she met. She was the corner stone of her family and a support to all her friends. She spent her whole career teaching children and young adults who found life challenging. She helped people become the best that they could be.
The recipient of this award has, successfully coped with difficult or challenging life experiences. Shown mental and emotional strength when faced with problems, proved to be a good friend and team member, acting with compassion and understanding. This person always has a positive outlook. The Heather Read Award for Outstanding Resilience goes to Ntuli Samkelisiwe”
Additionally, at Mnyakanya three Bambisanani Awards were presented to educators, Mr SV Nugubane, Mrs PK Zondi and Miss M Langa for their outstanding contribution to the partnership.
Three Bambisanani Awards were also presented for Ntolwane Primary School:
Sportswomen of the Year Award: Luyanda Magwaza
Sportsman of the Year Award: Thobani Mhlongo
Sports Leader of the Year Award: Samkelisiwi Geada
Mr Moses Xulu, Bambisanani Coordinator at Ntolwane said, “I wish to highlight the importance of Bambisanani Awards in our school. Bambisanani Awards at Ntolwane play a pivotal role in ensuring that our learners do participate in a wide range of sporting activities. In short, the awards are a motivator and encourager to all participants who love sports; at Ntolwane they have created more interest in sports which benefits the entire curriculum."
David Geldart from the partnership said, “Congratulations to all the recipients of this year’s awards. Many thanks also to the teachers in all of our schools that continue to provide learners with the opportunities, encouragement and support that enables them to shine and to be recognised. Special thanks to Monsignor Vladimir Felzmann (Father Vlad) for his tremendous support with these awards. We remember especially at this time the awards in memory of Laurie McCauley, Sbonelo Magwaza, Jordan Sinnott and Heather Read; we know that these awards, that motivate and inspire others, bring strength and comfort to their families. What we also know is that many students already have an eye to the awards in 2024!”
Published: 21/12/2023
Bambisanani Partnership schools lead the way in Pope Francis’ call for Sport for All
Member schools of the Bambisanani Partnership from the Nkandla region of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and from Leeds in the UK have become the first schools in the world to pledge their support to Pope Francis’ global appeal to make sport more cohesive, accessible and inclusive.
Member schools of the Bambisanani Partnership from the Nkandla region of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and from Leeds in the UK have become the first schools in the world to pledge their support to Pope Francis’ global appeal to make sport more cohesive, accessible and inclusive.
At the Global Sport for All Summit last September, Pope Francis outlined the potential of sport as a positive force in society. The Summit was a multifaith event attended by 250 delegates from 40 countries representing the world’s leading sporting organisations and practitioners. The aim was to discuss and promote the social and inclusive dimension of sport in society. It was in response to Pope Francis’ encouragement of sport that is socially responsible and his appeals to foster sport as a means of human, educational and spiritual growth. The Summit produced a Declaration calling on all those involved to commit to making sport more cohesive, accessible and tailored to each person. With the momentum and guidance of the experts convened at the Summit, participants pledged to walk together – communiter – to achieve common goals and aspirations. On the final day of the Summit, delegates signed the Sport for All Declaration in the presence of Pope Francis. As such, signatories committed to bringing the Declaration to life. Fundamental to this task is the understanding that the Declaration is not just a statement of principles, but a Declar-Action, an invitation to concrete actions; using the power of sport for the future of society. Subsequently, an online version of the Declaration has become available to sign.
In his speech to delegates Pope Francis said: “I encourage you to strive to make sport a home for everyone, something open and welcoming. In this home, never lose the family spirit, for in this way, we may find brothers, sisters and friends in the world of sport. I am close to you in this mission; the Church supports you in this educational and social commitment.”
The first group of schools from the UK to sign the Declaration was The Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust of 13 schools from Leeds, including individual commitments from high school, St. Mary’s, Menston (Bambisanani Partnership Founding School), and primary schools: St. Mary’s, Horsforth, St. Joseph’s, Otley; St Joseph’s, Knaresborough and St. Joseph’s, Harrogate. The first schools in South Africa to sign were Mnyakanya High School (Bambisanani Founding School) and Vumanhlamvu Primary School.
David Geldart signing the declaration at the Vatican
The Bambisanani Partnership charity works with schools in the UK and South Africa using the power of sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership; bringing young people from both countries together in order ‘to work together and learn together’. The charity has gained international acclaim for its pioneering work and its Founder David Geldart was a delegate at the Summit. David said: “It was a great honour to attend this landmark Summit and of course to meet Pope Francis who truly believes in the potential of sport as a force for good in the world. I am absolutely delighted that our schools from Leeds and the remote Nkandla region of South Africa have become the first schools in their respective countries, and indeed the world, to sign the Declaration and show their commitment to the power of sport within education. Hopefully more schools throughout the world will now follow.Organisations and individuals from around the world have now signed the Declaration. First to sign the Declaration at the Summit was Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, so we are in good company! The potential of high quality, inclusive Physical Education and Sports programmes in our schools, colleges and universities to make a unique and significant contribution in this area is enormous. Educational establishments throughout world that value sport and believe passionately that it should genuinely be for all; cohesive, accessible and inclusive, should sign the Declaration, they could add so much to what needs to be a ‘team effort’. I would love to see a network of schools, colleges and universities through the world commit to this challenge and work collaboratively as advocates to share best practices, celebrate success and support each other in solidarity. In our small way the Bambisanani Partnership has got the ball rolling. If you share this vision of sport, you are very much invited to play!”
Darren Beardsley, CEO of the Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust said: “As an Academy Trust of 13 schools, we are delighted to be able to support the Sport for All summit declaration. We witness the power of sport in our schools on a daily basis and how it can be used to enhance the wider skills and development of our pupils. Sport plays an important role in social cohesion and this is particularly important when we take into account the challenges faced by wider society in today's world. The declaration highlights the importance of sport being cohesive, accessible and tailored. Our schools are welcoming organisations, where we work with our communities to meet the needs of all individuals, therefore our values and mission align with that of the declaration. Finally, the Declaration is a call to Declar-Action and we are privileged to be part of such a dynamic agreement.”
Those who wish to support declaration can sign it on the website www.sportforall.va
Also see related:
Shirts for Jordan: Sinnott 25 Football Shirts bring joy in South Africa
The tragic death of professional footballer Jordan Sinnott in 2020 gave rise to the now famous ‘Shirts for Jordan’ campaign. An idea that was initially discussed around the Sinnott kitchen table went global.
The tragic death of professional footballer Jordan Sinnott in 2020 gave rise to the now famous ‘Shirts for Jordan’ campaign. An idea that was initially discussed around the Sinnott kitchen table went global.
It was hoped that a few shirts would be donated by some professional clubs in memory of Jordan for children in need. Very quickly all the Premier League, Championship and Football League clubs had donated shirts bearing Jordan’s name and age: Sinnott 25. Leading players and managers paid their respects to Jordan. The intention was that the shirts would go to children who needed them - where they would be appreciated and make a real difference. The world of football responded nationally and then internationally. More than 882 shirts from professional, amateur, youth and school teams were donated from more than 28 different countries. These shirts were displayed at Jordan’s funeral which was held at Bradford City FC. The shirts have subsequently gone around the world to some of the poorest children on the planet who love the game of football and other sports.
Jordan was a great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership that started in his former school, St. Mary’s, Menston. For the last sixteen years the multi award winning charity has worked in one of South Africa’s most deprived rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal using the power of sport to change lives. David Geldart who founded the partnership had worked with Jordan since he was at primary school through to him becoming a professional footballer. Sinnott 25 shirts have recently arrived at two Bambisanani schools in South Africa, Mnyakanya High School and Vumanhlamvu Primary School, where they are being used for football, netball and PE lessons.
David said; “When I first visited South Africa it was remarkable to see just how important football was to the Zulu community. My first experience was watching a large group of youngsters playing barefoot on rough ground using plastic bags tied together as their football. Despite few homes having electricity or TV’s the children had an amazing knowledge of world football and in particular the Premier League. Over the years, in partnership with the local community, we have been able bring some much-needed football equipment to the area to develop the game and coach education. In addition to this we also use football-based resources to promote literacy and numeracy in schools. To have a ‘real’ football shirt is something incredibly special for these children and perhaps more appreciated than in more affluent parts of the world where such a possession can all too often be taken for granted. Jordan cared about many things and he was certainly very taken with our work in South Africa and the power of sport to make a real difference in the world. Jordan’s mum, Mel, gave the partnership 100 of these shirts for South Africa but Covid struck and effectively stopped our visits for almost two and a half years. I didn’t dare risk posting such precious cargo and wanted the shirts to be delivered in person by some of our team which we were able to do recently. It is absolutely amazing what joy and excitement these shirts have brought to Mnyakanya High School and Vumanhlamvu Primary School, both set in the remote rural hills of Nkandla. The impact is simply phenomenal and really has to be seen to be believed. Jordan would have loved to see this and I know how much this amazing legacy means to Jordan’s family.”
William Vilakazi Principal of Vumanhlanvu Primary School said, “It is an absolute honour to have these famous shirts that remember Jordan in our school. We serve a very poor community where sports equipment is difficult to come by. These shirts will be kept at the school and used by different learners for sports; we will use them for soccer matches as well. We have annual awards in memory of Jordan and the football shirts will be a constant reminder about striving to be the best that you can be. These shirts connect young people globally in sport; what a wonderful legacy that is for Jordan and his family!”
“To have young people in South Africa with the Sinnott name on their backs makes our whole family very proud.” Tom Sinnott, Jordan’s brother
An absolutely wonderful book has been produced which includes photographs of all the shirts donated. All proceeds go to the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust
Also see related articles:
Jordan Sinnott honoured in South Africa (17/12/2020)
Bambisanani Awards remember Jordan in South Africa (10/12/2021)
Jordan Sinnott Awards inspire young people in South Africa and in Leeds
It is now almost three years since the tragic death of professional footballer Jordan Sinnott. A former student of St. Mary’s School, Menston, Jordan was a great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership and its work using the power of sport to change lives in one of South Africa’s most challenging rural areas. Annual awards have recently been presented in both countries in memory of Jordan.
It is now almost three years since the tragic death of professional footballer Jordan Sinnott. A former student of St. Mary’s School, Menston, Jordan was a great supporter of the Bambisanani Partnership and its work using the power of sport to change lives in one of South Africa’s most challenging rural areas. Annual awards have recently been presented in both countries in memory of Jordan.
Three awards have been presented at Vumanhlamvu Primary School which is set deep in rural KwaZulu-Natal. The Principal of the school, Mr William Vilakazi, had had the pleasure of meeting Jordan when he visited St. Mary’s several years ago. The special awards ceremony took place amidst great anticipation and excitement.
The winners of the Jordan Sinnott Memorial Awards at Vumanhlamvu for 2022 were duly announced.
Sports Leader of the Year: Slindokuhle Mvelase
Sportswoman of the Year: Ayanda Ngonyama
Sportsman of the Year: Siyanda Buthelezi
Mr Vilazaki said “These awards inspire our learners in sport and also in other areas of school life. They recognise and celebrate talent and determination. I had the great pleasure of meeting Jordan, I remember him well, I remember his smile. We remember Jordan very much at Vumanhlamvu; these awards are very special and are known to all in our school and the community. There is great competition to lift these trophies, the winners understand what an honour it is. Jordan, the Sinnott family and the Bambisanani Partnership are always in our prayers.”
Whilst a little overwhelmed the winners were overjoyed to receive the prestigious awards:
Sports Leader of the Year: Slindokuhle Mvelase
“I would like to thank the Sinnott family and Bambisanani for recognizing my talent in sports leadership and for the donation of many soccer jerseys to our school. May God bless you all”
Sportswoman of the Year: Ayanda Ngonyama
“The Jordan Sinnott awards encourage sports at our school. In order to lift one of the famous awards you have to be good and take sports seriously. I am very proud to be named Sportswoman of the Year. Thanks to Jordan’s family for the t-shirts given to our school and not forgetting the Bambisanani Partnership; we really appreciate you as well.”
Sportsman of the Year: Siyanda Buthelezi
“I would like to thank the Bambisanani Partnership and the Sinnott family for this special award and for the soccer jersey. I feel like a great soccer star. It was a tough year in sports and I competed hard to get this award.”
At St. Mary’s, Menston the Jordan Sinnott Memorial Award recognises a Year 11 student who has made ‘an outstanding contribution to football’.
Joe Brooks and Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung
The 2022 Jordan Sinnott Award at St. Mary’s was presented at the Year 11 Celebration Evening. The very worthy recipient was Joe Brooks who received the prestigious award from special guest, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung.
Mr Tom Pringle from St. Mary’s was full of praise for Joe: “Joe is an extremely talented footballer who is technically very gifted. His work rate on the pitch is reflective of his general attitude in and around school. He is very competitive but plays the game in the correct manner, always maintaining an outstanding level of sportsmanship, which both the Physical Education department and school encourage and are very proud of. Joe plays to a high level outside of school and really enjoys the sport and this has shown for the five years he has been at St. Mary’s. Well done, Joe, this tremendous honour is thoroughly deserved.”
David Geldart from the partnership commented, “Congratulations to Slindokuhle, Ayanda,Siyanda and Joe, you have achieved great recognition for your all your hard work and we will watch your continued progress with great interest. Special thanks to the Vumanhlamvu and St. Mary’s teams for embracing these awards and for providing the learners with so many value driven opportunities in sport. Having worked closely with Jordan since he was at primary school, I am delighted he is continuing to inspire young people in both countries. These annual awards mean so much to Jordan’s family and friends; it would be impossible to overstate their importance. The impact of these awards is just amazing; Jordan would certainly approve!”
Jordan Sinnott Awards inspire young people home and away [WHARFEDALE OBSERVER]
Christmas Message from the Vumanhlamvu community
As we approach towards the end of the year, we as Vumanhlamvu the community would like to thank the Bambisanani Partnership for everything you have done for us. You showed us the spirit of Ubuntu (humanity) when fires devastated us.
As we approach towards the end of the year, we as the Vumanhlamvu community would like to thank the Bambisanani Partnership for everything you have done for us. You showed us the spirit of Ubuntu (humanity) when fires devastated us.
Aid delivered and Rebuilding begins in the Vumanhlamvu community, October 2020
We have shelters where we sing Christmas carol like everyone during festive season in our community through your kindness , you restored our dignity and confidence to our children at school by providing us with school uniform and food. Our prayers will be with you during this challenging times of Covid 19.
We would like to wish all those who supported us a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. We are what we are today because of you. We will never forget your contributions.
With kind regards
William