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The Street Swords program teaches young people from disadvantaged
backgrounds, including young offenders, how to fence. Since being
founded in 2008, the Streets Swords program has taught fencing to
over 800 young people and trained over 80 young leaders. With
training sessions in Middlesbrough, Peterlee, Hartlepool, and
Durham, the program encourages young people to use intelligence
over aggression.
According to Katy Robinson, one of the leaders, the Streets Swords
project “gave me the confidence and platform from which I have gone
on to gain more coaching qualifications in different sports.”
Marie Liston, North East Region England Fencing and England Fencing
President, said, “I’m delighted that this innovative and inspiring
project has been recognised with this award.”
Besides the Innovative Project Award, the Earl of Wessex was on
hand for other awards presentations, including awards such as
Volunteer Management and Green Thinking. The Sport and
Recreation Alliance, of which Prince Edward is the president, is
the umbrella organization for bodies of sports and recreation in
the UK.
The alliance represents over 320 members, from the Rugby Football
Union to the Royal Academy of Dance.
photo credit: Yate Armadillo via photopin cc]]>
