I was invited to the Awards Ceremony for Active Suffolk – quite a surprise for me. DanceEast had been shortlisted for Inclusive Organisation of the Year and Sophie asked if I would like to attend, along with Denise, Community Dance Practitioner working with DanceEast’s Care to Dance programme and Anudi, a volunteer usher and participant with Springboard Adults. 

 

Active Suffolk Awards began 19 years ago to celebrate and recognise the achievements of individuals, teams, communities, volunteers and education providers across the county. 

Active Suffolk is committed to increasing the number of people taking part in physical activity and sport, and working with partners to identify why so many are unable to do so because of lack of suitable facilities or support. Mainly, participants are involved in sport and team activities, dance being very much on the sidelines, so it was especially important and exciting for DanceEast to be included, and to be shortlisted for an award. 

 

The evening began with a drinks reception after which we were ushered to our tables in time for the first half of the presentation ceremony. Awards covered many categories for both group and individual achievements. We had an enjoyable dinner break before the final award session, including DanceEast’s category – Inclusive Organisation of the Year Award -sponsored by Ipswich Borough Council/Ipswich Fit. 

 

Inclusive Organisations focus on physical activity/movement/sport and working to embed greater inclusion in their working practice. The shortlist was: 

The Woolverstone Project – DanceEast – Thrive Hub, Haverhill. 

 

The Woolverstone Project is a registered charity offering sailing opportunities and training for people with disabilities on Alton Water and the river Orwell, supported by a large body of volunteer assistance. 

Thrive Hub, Haverhill provides an enabling environment for people with learning and additional needs to help them choose and pursue activities of choice. 

 

It was unsurprising that The Woolverstone Project won the award, a very worthy winner doing so much for so many and bringing challenge and enjoyment to their lives. But it was certainly an honour for DanceEast to be shortlisted and I cannot say how proud I was to be there. 

 

When Sophie invited me to be one of the representatives of DanceEast, I was of course pleased for myself, but most of all I felt this was a measure of the importance and the connection between DanceEast and EncoreEast and how much we owe DanceEast for our dancing life. This was an honour for us all even without an award. 

 

Thank you DanceEast