ThunderCat Racing UK is one of the finalists at the National Diversity Awards 2016 – ‘Community Organisation Award for Multi-Strand’, with its Recovery through Sports program.

The Best of British Diversity will travel to Liverpool to celebrate the outstanding achievements of those who have demonstrated their devotion to enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion in today’s society on September 16th.

Over 20,000 nominations and votes were received, paying tribute to communities and companies nationwide and Fiona Pascoe explains;

I am so excited and proud of our ThunderCat Community being shortlisted for this award, we hope that the judges will see what we are achieving within powerboat racing, supported by the UIM and RYA – fingers crossed, in true racing spirit we are going for gold!
We want to show nationally and globally how within our unique sporting community ‘recovery through sport’ changes lives both on and off the water.
It’s so easy to judge the book by the cover – but behind visual personas there can be issues of PTSD, anxiety, anger, depression, bipolar and chronic illnesses. People say ‘how are you today?’ a typical British statement of politeness, but do we really mean it?
Do we give time to listen and understand?
Or wish to actually find out how the person is truly feeling?
Both mental and physical illnesses have a stigma and lack of empathy in society especially if we cannot evidently see the disability.
The reality is, everyone has their demons but some struggle more than others.
Powerboat Racing especially our sport offers a high action, adrenaline series that pushes teams to the extreme, building strong bonds and trust between racers; as well as a true sense of core understanding of family values within the community.
Everyone helps each other to fulfil their aspirations and conquer any negative vibes – a true proactive and positive environment to be part of.

This prestigious black tie event provides recognition for excellence regardless of race, faith, religion, gender, identity, sexual orientation, age, disability and culture.

Microsoft will be just one of the brands supporting a diversity of talent alongside Adidas, Direct Line Group, ThoughtWorks, Financial Ombudsman Service, Kier, MI5, MI6, GCHQ, PwC, and Transport for London, ITV and The Open University.

The NDA’s are supported by the likes of Stephen Fry and Sir Lenny Henry amongst others.

nationaldiversityawards.co.uk
Photo: Mike Powell