A teenage para-athlete, who has received one of Rotary’s top awards, has been named as the 2018 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year.
Kare Adenegan picked up the honour at the Radio 1 Teen Awards at the SSE Wembley Arena in recognition of setting a world record in the T34 100 metres, and also being crowned European champion.
She received the award from former England footballer Jermaine Jenas and gymnast Claudia Fragapane, who won the award in 2014.
In a tweet following her win Kare said: “What a day!!! Young Sports Personality of the Year 2018! WOW…. Thank you so much @BBCSPOTY @BBCR1 #R1TeenAwards.”
On receiving the award, which was broadcast on BBC TV, Kare said: “Wow, this is so amazing, I can’t believe it. It is so prestigious to be alongside so many amazing names.
“To be here, to celebrate all the amazing things which young people are achieving, just proves that they should not be under-estimated. I am so thankful to be here and thank you so much for this award.”
What a day!!! Young Sports Personality of the Year 2018! WOW…. Thank you so much @BBCSPOTY @BBCR1 #R1TeenAwards pic.twitter.com/MehZQeXKVt
— Kare Adenegan (@AdeneganK) October 21, 2018
The 17-year-old was born with diplegic cerebral palsy, which has affected her mobility and the use of her legs. This has meant she has had to rely on using a wheelchair.
Kare picked up three medals in the Paralympics in Rio in 2016 in three separate wheelchair-racing disciplines, just six years from taking up the sport after being inspired by the London Games. Throughout her school life, Kare, had not been able to engage in sport.
As a result of this achievement, last year Kare was nominated by Rotary Coventry to receive the Rotary Young Citizen Wheelchair Sports Award, in partnership with WheelPower.
And now in London on Sunday night in front of a packed SSE Wembley Arena, Kare was announced as the winner at the Radio 1 Teen Awards, pitted against some of Britain’s brightest young sporting talent.
Previous winners have included Wayne Rooney and Andy Murray.
To be here, to celebrate all the amazing things which young people are achieving, just proves that they should not be under-estimated.”
The judging panel including double Winter Olympic gold medallist, Lizzy Yarnold, broadcaster John Inverdale and former Olympic swimmer, Mark Foster.
Rotary GBI president, Debbie Hodge, congratulated Kare on receiving the award.
She said: “Kare is an inspiration to many, and she is an outstanding ambassador for sport, working to give everyone an opportunity to get involved, irrespective of ability or body shape.”
Do you know inspiring young people in your community who deserve recognition for their outstanding service? Find out more about the 2019 Rotary Young Citizen Awards.
