Jahswill Emmanuel BEM, founded Multi Ethnic Sports and Culture Northern Ireland in 2016 after suffering from a racially-motivated attack and sought to promote positive intercommunity relations.
Jahswill is also recent recipient of the Community Relations Council’s Good Relations Award.
The Points of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers – people who are making a change in their community.
Jahswill uses sports and cultural activities to unite communities, reduce social isolation and support community members from ethnic minority backgrounds integrate into their community. As a qualified football coach with a passion for sport, Jahswill has been responsible for a number of sporting events across Northern Ireland. His Refugee Cup, in partnership with the Irish Football Association, saw eight teams of mixed nationalities compete for a trophy awarded by footballer Ashley Hutton. Jahswill is responsible for the runnings of the largest ethnic minority league in Northern Ireland, The Super League, which provides a haven for youths within the community.
Congratulating Jahswill on his award, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, said:
“Jahswill’s courage in turning his traumatic experience into a positive initiative to support integration and cross-community participation is truly inspirational. His charity work through sport and cultural initiatives has benefited people across Northern Ireland, and it was my pleasure to present him with this well-deserved award.”
Jahswill said: “In a divided society like Northern Ireland, volunteering enables me to help bridge gaps between communities, foster understanding, and effect positive change. I’m hopeful that my efforts can contribute to the development of togetherness, trust, and a more welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, it offers a chance to positively influence social concerns in a concrete way, encourage empathy, and show how teamwork may bridge divides. In the end, by offering necessary services and support, my involvement can improve the community’s general well-being and contribute to the development of a more resilient and cohesive society.
“I am incredibly grateful to the Prime Minister for acknowledging my work as a volunteer. I find that validation like this keeps me continuing in spite of the difficulties I’ve faced in my role as a volunteer.”
Find out more about Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures NI