Two inspirational winners from the inaugural Wales Ethnic Diversity Sport Awards

Steve said: “This honour not only validates the hard work put into these endeavours but also serves as a reminder of the lives touched and the difference made within the community through sports. This recognition fuels my commitment to continue contributing meaningfully to the betterment of society through sports and community engagement.

“What I love about what I do likely encompasses the joy of witnessing personal growth, the thrill of seeing individuals overcome challenges, and the satisfaction of fostering a strong sense of community through sports. 

“As far as finishing is concerned, the nature of impactful work often means that there is always more to be done, more lives to touch, and more progress to pursue. My future plans might include expanding the reach and impact of my work, potentially through developing new programmes, forming partnerships, or creating opportunities for even more individuals within the community to benefit from sports and communal engagement.”

Last autumn, Eleeza, alongside her sister, joined Gareth Bale on stage at the UEFA headquarters in Switzerland as Wales were announced as a host nation for Euro 2028. Wearing her hijab with a Wales jersey for the world to see, Eleeza was showing that Muslim girls and football do go together.

All these incredible contributions in sport saw Eleeza take home the Volunteer of the Year Award at WEDSA’s inaugural ceremony.

Eleeza said: “Winning the WEDSA award was such a special moment as I felt recognised as a young person, trying to make an impact on the sports scene in Wales. It was the perfect way to end such a successful year.

“I am one of the few hijabi women on the Welsh sports scene providing a voice and services to girls who look like me who often feel underrepresented. I would like to see more women and girls from ethnic minorities thrive in sports and the taboo around us playing sports removed, both internally and externally.”

This year, Foundation for Sports Coaching will be holding women’s only midnight sport sessions at the Sport Wales National Centre during Ramadan where Eleeza will be coaching.

With the difference Eleeza is already making in her short time coaching and volunteering, in another 50 years, she could be following in Steve’s footsteps and picking up the Lifetime Achievement award herself, too!

Who won the other WEDSA Awards?

Here is the list of winners at the WEDSA Awards:

• Lifetime Achievement – Steve Khaireh
• Volunteer of the Year – Eleeza Khan
• Personality of the Year – Jalal Goni
• Sportswoman of the Year – Funmi Oduwaiye
• Sportsman of the Year – Curtis Hutson
• Inspiring Individual of the Year – Rehnaz Khan
• Young Person of the Year – Sakinah Hussain
• Community Sport Project – EYST Wales’ BME Sports Project
• Club of the Year – Urdd Gobaith Cymru
• Outstanding Contribution to Sport – Nooh Ibrahim
• Coach of the Year – Nana Baah
• Inclusive Sport Award – Exiles Together

When will the next WEDSA Awards take place?

There has been no date set for the second WEDSA awards yet, but we expect the event will return in 2025.

Rajma said: “We hope WEDSA will run as bi-annual event and that diversity at local and national awards will be embraced.”

Catch up with everything that happened on the night by following WEDSA on X.