An inspiring Worcester Warriors youngster has been shortlisted for the PLAY Achiever of the Year award at next month’s Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Community Awards.
With the Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Community Awards taking place at the House of Commons on Tuesday 4 July, a specially-selected panel faced the daunting task of whittling down the nominations to a final three for the prestigious gong – which rewards a participant who has excelled in any programme that introduces rugby to new audiences.
And one of the final three nominated for the prize is Emma Henighan who, despite being completely deaf in one ear, was instrumental in the formation of Shropshire Lionesses Under 18s girls team through her association with Worcester Warriors Foundation, helping with recruitment and retention as well as going on to become the team’s captain.
Emma is up against Todd Burge of Bath Rugby and Sale Sharks’ Leo Gradwell-Spencer.
Judge Lisa Bedding, who is also Comic Relief Account Manager, said: “For Emma to not only be able to overcome the hurdles that come with rugby, but to play being deaf in one ear, is an amazing achievement.”
Every year hundreds of people up and down the country give their time to help run Premiership Rugby initiatives such as – but not limited to – Aviva Tackling Numbers, HITZ, On The Front Foot, Rugby 4 All, Something To Chew On, Move Like A Pro, and Urban Rugby Squad.
The PLAY Achiever of the Year Award recognises those who have overcome physical, cultural or social barriers to become involved in the game whilst embodying the spirit of the PLAY campaign.
And, according to Bedding, the competition has never been higher.
She continued: “This was an incredible award to judge and all the entrants deserve a huge amount of praise for what they have achieved. The barriers every single person has had to overcome has been inspiring.
“The difference rugby has made for each and every person is phenomenal and they all absolutely deserve to be recognised.”
The winner of the award will be announced on Tuesday 4 July at the illustrious Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Community Awards at the Terrace Pavilion, House of Commons, and on Twitter via the @premrugby account. Use the hashtag #RugbyChangingLives to join the conversation.
Shortlist for PLAY Achiever of the Year award are:
Todd Burge – Bath Rugby
Leo Gradwell-Spencer – Sale Sharks
Emma Henighan – Worcester Warriors
The judging panel:
Heather Taylor (Sport England), Lisa Bedding (Comic Relief), Dolly Theis (Centre for Social Justice), Suzy Christopher (BT Charity & Community Director), Matt Mitchell (Wooden Spoon), Heather Smith (Women in Sport) and Ross McKinley (Premier League).