Recognising Outstanding Young Talent

The 31st of October marked a day of celebration, growth, and recognition as two remarkable organizations, Kickoff@3 led by Michael Wallace and his team, and Hope FC steered by Roger Samuels, came together for an event that will leave a lasting impact on the hearts of many for years to come.

The event, hosted at The Sapphire Hotel in Croydon, brought together a diverse array of guests in support of a youth-led initiative that aimed to empower the leaders of tomorrow.

Co-hosted by Rhiann O’Connor, the social media lead for KickOff@3, along with the remarkable Tray-Sean Ben Salmi, Yasmine Ben Salmi, Paolo Ben Salmi, and Amire Ben Salmi, a successful family of youth advocates and published authors, the awards night was a testament to the belief that young people should not only be given the space to lead but also the opportunity to spread their wings and take ownership of their own paths.

In keeping with the spirit of Black History Month, the event also aimed to highlight and celebrate the achievements and talents of young black individuals.

The collaboration between these two organisations was a grand success, exceeding all expectations and demonstrating the dedication and hard work put in by both parties.

It was a day filled with vibrant discussions, all geared towards fostering leadership skills and nurturing the exceptional talents among the youth.

We extend our warmest congratulations to all the winners of the various categories during the event.

Their hard work, talent, and brilliance shone brightly, and they truly deserved their victories. This event served as a platform for them to showcase their abilities, and they seized it with passion and determination.

Michael Wallace of Kickoff@3 commented, “Today was a testament to the incredible potential that resides within our youth. Their talent shone brightly, and we are proud to have been a part of this journey. We look forward to seeing how these young leaders will shape the future.”

Echoing these sentiments, Roger Samuels of Hope FC added, “This collaboration was about more than just an event; it was about empowering our future leaders, celebrating Black History Month, and recognizing the amazing talent within our community. Seeing the success of this event, we are more committed than ever to continue our work.”

The success of this collaboration between Kickoff@3 and Hope FC demonstrates the power of unity and the importance of providing platforms for young people to express themselves, grow, and lead. As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s remember the potential in our youth and continue to invest in their development.

The winners in various categories included:

• Young Author of the Year: Amire Ben Salmi
• Young Inspirational Person of the Year: Tyrese Paris Smith, Inspiron, Vanessa Sam
• Young Leader of the Year: Giovanni Pink, La’rae and Joshua Arfiena
• Entrepreneur of the Year: Inyanne Tamijarassane (Founder of Yarnee Clothing), Zawadi Nathan Brown
• Youth Project of the Year: Blacks Can’t Swim Documentary Series (Ed Accura – Producer)
• Sports Team of the Year: Boys in Orange, Team Hope FC
• Outstanding Contribution to the Community: A2ndvoice
• Rising Star: Rhiann O’Connor
• Content Creator of the Year: Savia Rocks
• Artist of the Year: Boy Sayso
• Young Inspirational Female of the Year: Leshai Ben Salmi
• Campaigning and Advocacy Award: Elevated Minds (Doreen Sinclair)
• Arts and Culture Award: Popup Runway (Sheromie Brewster)

In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of Kickoff@3 and Hope FC demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved when like-minded organisations come together to inspire and empower the youth.